The Port packs an economic punch: Analysis measures Port's contribution at $210.02 million — and 2,000 jobs

An economic impact analysis released in May showed that the Port of Duluth-Superior generated $210.02 million in 2001 for the region and was responsible for nearly 2,000 jobs.

Klaers, Powers & Associates, Duluth, used an analytical model developed by the U.S. Maritime Administration to conduct the analysis for the Authority. It reflected $137.9 million of direct economic impact and $72.3 million of indirect impact based on the Port's 36.5 million metric tons of waterborne commerce.

Additional findings included:

Cargo tonnage and capital investments of $14.4 million in 2001 supported 1,227 direct jobs, while another 766 jobs were indirectly created.

Port facilities paid local property taxes of $2.6 million and, in addition, the City of Superior collected nearly $950,000 in an occupation tax.

The commercial value of all cargoes shipped through the port totaled an estimated $1.9 billion.

Sixty-seven percent of the Port's cargo was of domestic origin or destination, while 25 percent originated or was destined for Canada and seven percent originated or was destined overseas.

The Port of Duluth-Superior is responsible for nearly 2,000 jobs.

"Other ports moving far less cargo often show far greater economic impact and job figures," said Port Director Davis Helberg. "But given that this is primarily a bulk port with distant cargo origins and destinations — and that our terminal operators and waterfront workers pride themselves in efficiency and high productivity — we have a lower per-ton impact than elsewhere. That's also what keeps us so competitive."