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Freighters, crews busy providing high-demand construction materials

News Photo by Julie Riddle Seen from the Rogers City Marina on Wednesday, the freighter American Mariner heads south on Lake Huron.

ALPENA — Long and flat on the Northeast Michigan horizon, freighters that transport limestone and other materials will serve as the backbone for upcoming improvements to the nation’s buildings, bridges, and roadways, said Eric Peace, director of operations and communications for the Lake Carriers’ Association.

“Without us, the infrastructure bill is worthless,” Peace said, saying the industry rebounded from a lean 2020 with a strong 2021 shipping season, despite fewer than ideal workers.

The $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure bill signed into law earlier this month calls for an investment of $110 billion for roads, bridges, and major infrastructure projects.

The materials for those projects spring from quarries such as Lafarge Alpena and Carmeuse Lime and Stone in Rogers City. Great Lakes vessels — some operated by Northeast Michigan residents — will keep busy in upcoming months and years transporting those high-demand materials to factories, Peace said.

“We’re moving a lot of cargo right now,” said Peace, who said the infrastructure bill will float significant money into Michigan for the transportation of limestone, asphalt, concrete, iron ore, and other building materials. “It’s all good news.”

News Photo by Julie Riddle Seen from the Rogers City Marina on Wednesday, the freighter American Mariner heads south on Lake Huron.

In October, limestone shipments on the Great lakes were up by 8% compared to a year ago and exceeded the month’s five-year average.

Through the first of November, freighters had shipped 24.6 million tons of limestone, more than the five-year average through 2020 and an increase of 9% over last year.

Year-to-date iron ore shipments increased by 33% through October compared to a year ago and stand at 4% above their five-year average.

Demand should remain high, keeping quarries and freighters busy, Peace said.

Like many industries, shipping companies have struggled to attract and retain employees this year. Lake Carriers’ Association has not had to lay up any ships because of an employee shortage this season, but “we’re operating on a thin margin,” Peace said.

Another pending federal bill, if passed, could fund a new Great Lakes icebreaker, which would help keep manufacturing jobs up and running during the winter months, Peace said.

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