Via Fax: (202) 225-4986
Congressman Fred Upton
2183 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Upton:

We are writing on behalf of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, the largest coalition ever assembled to promote shipping on the Great Lakes. We represent all the various elements of the Great Lakes maritime community: shipowners and operators, shipboard and shoreside unions, port authorities, cargo shippers, shipyards, dredgers.

Dredging on the Great Lakes is in a state of crisis. The Lakes regularly receive far less than their fair share of dredging dollars compared to other regions. We are attempting to get organized and doing everything in our power to ensure that this critical region receives at least its share of the federal dredging dollars.

We have identified a dozen key priorities for dredging on the Lakes and one of them is St. Joseph Harbor. The Army Corps has requested $667,000, but concedes the actual need there is $1.064 million. We urge you to request additional funding in FY ’08 for this important project.

Thank you for your interest in this important matter. If you need additional information, please contact James H.I. Weakley.

Sincerely,

John D. Baker, President
Patrick J. O’Hern, 1st Vice President-Positions & Resolutions
Daniel L. Smith, 2nd Vice President-Membership
James H.I. Weakley, 3rd Vice President-Government Relations