Fresh mission, vision for Port

The Port of Duluth-Superior is a beautiful gem in a pristine setting, as well as a bustling hub full of life and movement. Fifty years ago this summer, work began to connect the Great Lakes to world markets via the St. Lawrence Seaway System. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1955 in preparation for the 1959 completion of the System.

The Port Authority has served its state and region with distinction, providing access, information, marketing, environmental awareness and infrastructure development to meet the needs of both shippers and the general population. The Port of Duluth-Superior is the largest tonnage port on the Great Lakes and ranks among the top 20 ports in the nation.

As I enter my fourth year as Duluth Seaway Port Authority board president, I realize that while the Port has achieved great things, the Authority must continue to grow and develop to meet the needs of our region in the new global marketplace of the 21st century.

To make sure our efforts and resources are aligned to produce maximum results, the Authority has undertaken an extensive evaluation of the issues and opportunities that we must focus on to continue to provide proactive service to our constituents and customers.

We have updated our mission and vision statements and solidified our organizational philosophy. This was done to clearly define our strategy internally, while allowing us to share with our constituents and customers our priorities and values.

The mission of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority is to keep Minnesota businesses globally competitive; fostering regional commercial-industrial capacity and integrated transportation systems that are environmentally and economically sustainable.

The Authority's vision is to be the region's leader in collaborative commercial-industrial development; and the catalyst for expanding the integration of marine, land and air transportation systems.

Our strategy to realize our vision and mission is dependent on our ability to continue to develop our knowledge base and form new partnerships and alliances. We will be working to create an environment of cooperation and collaboration so that, together, we can find the highest and best use for our transportation resources, while continuing to protect the environment and support the culture of our local communities. By aligning and integrating our efforts with community interests, we hope to bring balance and stability to the Port of Duluth-Superior.

Major initiatives the Authority is working on in 2004 include:

Evaluation of an Intermodal Transportation Hub

Since we live in a global economy, efficient transportation is essential for Minnesota business and industry to participate and be competitive. Based on the "Twin Ports Intermodal Freight Terminal Study" by Dr. Richard Stewart, PhD., there appears to be significant opportunityfor the development of a Rail-Truck-Marine Intermodal Terminal in the area. The Authority will refine and verify the study conclusions through secondary sources and expanded data review, formally evaluate the potential for three specific intermodal terminal sites in Minnesota and develop a business proforma that will support private development.

Evaluation of a Centralized Pigment (Clay) Handling & Distribution Facility

Minnesota's paper making industry is a key economic engine in northern and central Minnesota, supporting the bulk of activities in the forest products industry. Clay coated paper is the primary product of our paper industry, and clay (or pigment) is a major cost component in manufacturing and transportation —making up to 25 percent of the finished weight of the product. Currently clay is shipped in slurry by rail and is very costly. It appears that shipping dry clay into a central distribution point could reduce costs for all the major paper suppliers. The Authority will explore accessing international clay and talc markets and examine the potential opportunity of creating a regional inter-modal distribution center.

Development of a Policy Paper for the American Association of Great Lakes Ports

The Authority is developing the paper in an effort to obtain agreement on the highest and best use of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System. It will challenge all interested parties to meet regional transportation needs while protecting our unique environment, and stress the urgency and legitimacy of best utilization of the System.

Marine Transportation Security Act

The Authority was notified in December 2003 that it will receive a Port Security Grant of $400,600 to help offset the costs of meeting new Maritime Transportation Security Act requirements. Port facility operations have been analyzed to determine risk, and steps have been taken to comply with the July 1 deadline for Port facility security improvements.

Advanced Corrosion on All Submerged Steel Structures in the Working Harbor

There are 65,000-lineal feet (12 miles) of corroded sheet piling within the harbor. Replacement cost would be $95 million ($1,500 per lineal foot), and failure is expected in five to 10 years without immediate attention and remediation. The Authority's role will be to coordinate funding, spearhead a comprehensive study and recommend a fix.

Short Sea Shipping (The movement of freight or passengers in domestic or inland waters; also includes international transport along coastlines or across lakes or rivers)

More than 200 million tons of commerce move annually between U.S. and Canadian ports on the Great Lakes. Through creative strategies in Great Lakes "Short Sea Shipping," Minnesota businesses can find new opportunities and efficiencies. Northern Europe is considered the leader in innovative, cost-effective and environmentally responsible transportation and handling. We will compare and contrast strategies and make suggestions for regional systems modification and improvement.

This is a recap of some of the initiatives the Port Authority is working on. Our updated mission and vision statements will help keep us on track in serving as the region's lifeline to global trade, while allowing us to align our resources and strategies to meet the region's needs of enhanced transportation and development in the 21st century.

The Port of Duluth-Superior is a gateway to the world and for the world.

Let's keep it beautiful and keep it working.

St. Louis County Commissioner Bill Kron was re-elected to his fourth term as Duluth Seaway Port Authority board president in March 2004.