Number
221019
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
210153, 220520
Sponsor
ALD. MURPHY
Title:
Substitute resolution relating to expenditure of funds from Port Milwaukee’s Cruise Ship Terminal capital account.
Analysis
This resolution directs Port Milwaukee to pursue long-term agreements with the Port’s cruise-ship operators committing them to use the South Shore Cruise Dock. Any such agreements shall be subject to Common Council review and approval.
Body
Whereas, Cruise ships that call at Port Milwaukee currently dock at three locations - the cruise-ship dock at Pier Wisconsin, the Lake Express/South Shore dock on S. Lincoln Memorial Drive and the Port’s industrial Heavy Lift Dock; and
Whereas, In 2022, cruise lines began operating St. Lawrence Seaway maximum-size vessels on the Great Lakes, with Milwaukee as a port of call; and
Whereas, Because of their size, Seaway-maximum vessels can only be accommodated at Port Milwaukee’s Heavy Lift Dock; and
Whereas, The Heavy Lift Dock is located within the Port’s commercial cargo area, requiring tenants to adjust or limit their operations when a cruise ship is docked (due to heightened security requirements); and
Whereas, Port Milwaukee has proposed a $7.2 million South Shore Cruise Dock project that would support dredging, dockwall repair and infrastructure support adjacent to the current Lake Express/South Shore facility to accommodate Seaway-maximum cruise ships; and
Whereas, Funding for this project is expected to come from a $3.5 million State of Wisconsin ARPA 2021 Tourism Capital Grant (CCFN 220520), a $625,000 2020 Wisconsin Harbor Assistance Program Grant (CCFN 210153), Port 2021 carryover funds, and $2 million in City funding in a new capital account in the Port’s 2023 Budget; and
Whereas, Port Milwaukee has previously entered into long-term agreements with a cruise line that uses the Pier Wisconsin cruise dock; and
Whereas, Given the size of Port Milwaukee’s planned investment in the South Shore Cruise Dock, and the City’s $2 million capital funding contribution in particular, it is essential that the Port and the City secure long-term commitments from cruise lines for use of the new facility; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that Port Milwaukee is directed to pursue long-term agreements with the Port’s cruise-ship operators committing them to use the South Shore Cruise Dock; and, be it
Further Resolved, That these agreements shall be subject to Common Council review and approval.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB177690-2
Jeff Osterman
11/08/2022