Leaders representing Wisconsin’s commercial ports convened in Green Bay on September 10-11 for the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Commercial Ports Association (“WCPA” or “Wisconsin Ports”), renewing a statewide conversation about the economic importance, infrastructure needs and future competitiveness of Wisconsin’s maritime industry.

Hosted by the Port of Green Bay, the Annual Meeting brought together port directors and maritime stakeholders with local, state and federal leaders to discuss infrastructure investment, freight transportation, economic development, environmental stewardship and emerging opportunities for Wisconsin’s ports. The gathering also marked the election of Port Milwaukee Director Benjamin (Benji) Timm as President of the WCPA.

Surrounded by Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and the Mississippi River, Wisconsin occupies a unique position in the North American maritime transportation system. The state’s commercial ports move agricultural commodities, raw materials, construction materials, manufactured products and other cargo critical to Wisconsin industry, while supporting shipbuilding and repair, tourism, waterfront development and thousands of jobs throughout the state.

At its Annual Meeting, the WCPA reaffirmed a policy agenda focused on maintaining and modernizing Wisconsin’s maritime transportation system. Priorities include sustained investment in port and harbor infrastructure; efficient multimodal freight connections; dredging and navigation reliability; environmental stewardship and waterfront resilience; support for maritime workforce development and shipbuilding; and stronger coordination among local, state and federal partners. 

Central to that agenda is a call for the State of Wisconsin to develop a new comprehensive Wisconsin Maritime Plan. The WCPA believes a statewide plan should assess Wisconsin’s existing maritime assets and freight flows, identify infrastructure and investment needs, strengthen connections among ports and other transportation modes, and establish a long-term strategy for growing maritime commerce on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and the Mississippi River.

Wisconsin Ports also reaffirmed support for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Harbor Assistance Program (HAP) and the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, which have provided state funding for harbor infrastructure, waterfront communities and responsible stewardship of Wisconsin’s maritime resources.

At the federal level, the Association continues to support robust investment through the U.S. Department of Transportation Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) and full utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to maintain safe and reliable navigation infrastructure. Together, these state and federal programs leverage local and private investment and allow Wisconsin ports to modernize facilities, maintain navigation, improve freight efficiency and position the state for continued economic growth.