Federal officials say if the Great Lakes shipping industry was a country—it would be the third largest economy in the world—behind the U-S and China.
And this study backs that up—according to James Weakley—President of the Lake Carriers’ Association—a group that represents the interests of commercial shipping. The group also paid for the study—which was conducted by an independent third-party transportation consulting firm.
Weakley says the study shows the average consumer how the Great Lakes shipping industry impacts their everyday lives.
"Without steel, without construction stone, without, you know, power generation. Their lives would be significantly more expensive. And I think the study kind of brings home the scope and the magnitude."
Weakley says the new data emphasizes the need for a new heavy ice breaker on the Great Lakes.
