U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) have urged President Donald Trump to include the Great Lakes region in efforts to revitalize the nation’s shipbuilding industry. In a letter co-signed by several other senators, they called for the establishment of Maritime Prosperity Zones beyond traditional coastal areas, specifically highlighting the Great Lakes.
“We share your goal of a revitalized shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing industry and believe that the hardworking people and dynamic economies of the Great Lakes region will be essential to achieving it,” wrote the senators. “The Great Lakes are already home to shipbuilders, manufacturers, steel producers, casting and forging, and maritime industry suppliers. In many ways, the Great Lakes states are well positioned for sustained national investment that would build on the current shipbuilding and manufacturing capacity in the region.”
The senators’ letter outlined five recommendations for implementing these zones: defining prosperity zones by activity rather than geography; supporting a new Great Lakes Shipbuilding Consortium; encouraging public and private investment into shipyards, ports, supply chains modernization; creating conditions for sustained success including streamlined contracting procedures; and expanding federal investment in workforce training.
The letter was also signed by Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.). It received support from Fincantieri Marinette Marine Shipyard.
Senator Young is leading related legislation known as the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act. This act aims to bolster U.S. shipbuilding capabilities through comprehensive policy measures.
The full text of their letter is available online.
