Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor has been awarded $11.2 million in federal funding to modernize its cargo handling, including specialized equipment needed to support future international container service.
The money comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration Port Infrastructure Development Program. It is part of a $498 million round announced Oct. 27 by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy covering 35 port projects across 19 states.
The Burns Harbor Container Handling Modernization Project is a $14 million project, including a $2.8 million match from Ports of Indiana. It will fund a mobile harbor crane, bulk-handling attachments, reach stackers, a top handler, off-road yard trucks and more.
The crane can switch between bulk grabs, breakbulk lifting gear and container spreaders, allowing the port to handle more steel, bulk materials, construction materials and project cargo alongside future container traffic when market demand arises, the port authority said.
Governor Mike Braun said the investment helps Burns Harbor move more goods faster and gives Hoosier farmers and manufacturers a more direct path to customers around the world. U.S. Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks and Congressman Frank Mrvan also praised the award, citing trade, economic development and jobs in Northwest Indiana.
