Number
220520
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
210153
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title:
Resolution relating to acceptance, funding and expenditure of a Tourism Capital Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Administration by Port Milwaukee.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes Port Milwaukee to apply for, accept, fund and expend a Wisconsin Department of Administration Tourism Capital Grant in the amount of $3,500,000 to partially pay for improvements to South Shore Cruise Dock.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee appears to be eligible for 2021 Tourism Capital Grant funds from the Wisconsin Department of Administration (WisDOA); and
Whereas, It is the mission of Port Milwaukee to strengthen the overall economic and social environment of the City of Milwaukee and the Great Lakes region by increasing international trade, business development, and job creation; and
Whereas, The Port is a premiere provider of domestic and international transportation and freight distribution services for its commercial customers worldwide; and
Whereas, The Port is also a destination for passenger ships, including the Lake Express high-speed ferry, and maintains and operates two cruise docks (Pier Wisconsin and South Shore) in Milwaukee; and
Whereas, The Port anticipates that over 10,000 cruise passengers will visit Milwaukee annually, beginning in 2022, namely through turnaround service offered by Pearl Seas Cruises and Viking Cruises, both of which have named Port Milwaukee as a “home port” for their Great Lakes excursions; and
Whereas, The Common Council previously supported funding cruise-related infrastructure at Port Milwaukee in adopting Common Council File Number 210153 on June 15, 2021; and
Whereas, In order to accommodate the expanded safe, secure and efficient use of the Port’s South Shore Cruise Dock, additional maritime infrastructure is necessary; and
Whereas, The proposed project at South Shore Cruise Dock will cost in excess of $7,000,000; and
Whereas; The 20...
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