Issues

• Reforming ballast water regulations to reflect modern technology, so that Michigan's ports can be used for importing and exporting agricultural commodities
  
• Addressing water depth issues in our ports so that they are accessible to large ships
• Streamlining water withdrawal regulations to make it easier for farmers to use water for irrigation

Attendees at "Increasing Michigan's Exports...and Imports!" listen to a presentation about Michigan's ballast water​ ​regulations.

Water ​Transportation Symposium

On June 28, 2012, ALM hosted a day-long symposium on these issues. We have uploaded the PowerPoint presentations from the event.

• The Importance of Import/Export to Michigan: Gordon Wenk, Chief Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
  
• Intermodal/Rail/Truck/Water: Tim Hoeffner, Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation, Office of Rail​
  
• The Economic Role of Great Lakes Shipping: Steve Fisher, Executive Director of the American Great Lakes Ports Association​
  
• Homeland Security Issues: John Nowak, Assistant Port Director, tactical, U.S. Customs & Border ​
• Michigan's Ballast Water Regulations: Sarah LeSage, Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
  
• Business Development Opportunities for Transportation: Peter C. Anastor, Director of Policy at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  
• ​​Next Steps: Jim Byrum, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association​

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