U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy visited Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor on Lake Michigan on June 19 to tour expansion projects and discuss the role of Great Lakes and inland waterways infrastructure in the nation’s freight transportation network.

According to Ports of Indiana, Duffy is the first U.S. transportation secretary to visit the port, located in Portage, Indiana.

The visit focused on ongoing investments at Burns Harbor and the importance of maritime transportation infrastructure. Since taking office, Duffy has expanded the U.S. Marine Highway Program by nearly 900 miles, including additions to the Great Lakes M-90 route, and announced nearly $1 billion in port investments supporting both inland river and Great Lakes facilities.

Burns Harbor serves as a multimodal transportation hub, connecting businesses to domestic and international markets through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway, inland waterways and rail networks. The port is located within a 12-hour drive of approximately 80% of the U.S. population and is connected to 16 railroads in the greater Chicago region.

Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said federal transportation grants have helped support growth across the organization’s three ports and have contributed to infrastructure development, job creation and supply chain improvements.

At Burns Harbor, construction is underway on an international sea-cargo container terminal serving the Chicago metropolitan area. The port is also nearing completion of a $100 million expansion project that includes new dock and rail infrastructure. Officials said the port is expected to reopen one of the largest grain export facilities on the Great Lakes as part of the expansion.

Duffy was joined during the tour by Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) Administrator Mike McCoshen, Indiana Transportation Secretary Matthew Ubelhor and port officials.

Feature photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Transportation