IMMEDIATE RELEASE             December 31, 2003

NOTE TO EDIT0RS
Industry sources indicate that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will today (December 31) announce an extension of vessel navigation through the Soo Locks at Sault St. Marie, Mich., until midnight January 25, 2004.

Because of the holiday, we have been unable to confirm this report, but suggest interested parties contact the following:

Stan Jasek, Chief Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District

Phone 906-635-3464; Website: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/index.cfm?chn_id=1336

Glen Nekvasil, Vice President-Corporate Communications, Lake Carriers’ Association

Phone 216-861-0592

Congressman James L. Oberstar, U.S. House of Representatives
Phone 202-225-6211

The Soo Locks were scheduled to close for the season on January 15 according to a longstanding set agreement, but several maritime parties lobbied the Corps of Engineers to extend the date to accommodate late season cargo demands.

The Corps authorization is expected to stress that the extension is non-precedent setting, and harsh weather or less tonnage than projected during the extension would force the Locks to close before January 25. The Corps reportedly entered into the agreement with the U.S. Cost Guard Ninth District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan State Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Congressman James L. Oberstar petitioned for the extension, which could allow the newly opened United Taconite facility in Eveleth to load additional vessels at the DM&IR facility in Duluth. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority, the Lake Carriers’ Association in Cleveland and other Great Lakes maritime entities supported the extension.

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CONTACT: Lisa Marciniak, Port Promotion Manager, Phone 218-727-8525

More Press Releases, 2003        More Press Releases, 2004