(Green Bay, Wis.) – When it comes to gauging our area’s economic health, the Port of Green Bay is considered a key indicator. Numbers from an economic impact study released today indicate that things are moving in the right direction.
Economic activity generated by the Brown County Port of Green Bay during 2022 reached $217.3 million, an increase of $70 million since 2017. The report also points to 1,620 Wisconsin jobs supported by the Port of Green Bay, an increase of 331 jobs over the 2017 total.
Direct personal income paid during 2022 reached $41.7 million. When combined with induced and indirect income the impact exceeded $142 million. This demonstrates high, family-supporting wages. Port activities also resulted in $38 million in local, state and federal taxes which support essential services like police, fire, transportation and education.
“We know the Port is an economic engine for our area, and we are pleased to see confirmation of that with this study,” stated Dean Haen, Port of Green Bay Director. “It’s really pretty remarkable, especially when you consider the world economy during the pandemic years. This study truly demonstrates our economic resiliency here in NE Wisconsin. While we know that the Port of Green Bay has a positive economic impact on our region, this study helps us better understand just what that impact is.”
The Port of Green Bay offers a direct route for shipping from the Midwest to the rest of the world. The Port’s 14 terminal operators are located along a three-mile stretch of the Fox River. During the 2022 shipping season, terminal operators moved just over 1.75 million tons of cargo which included limestone, cement, petroleum products, salt, coal and wood pulp.
These commodities support the Northeast Wisconsin manufacturing, agricultural and construction industries which, in addition to lowering the cost for individuals to build a home or pour a patio, provide family-supporting jobs and wages. These industries also help balance our local tax base.
“According to the study, Port activity generated just over $142 million in wages, salaries and local consumption expenditures in the regional economy,” explained Troy Streckenbach, Brown County Executive. “The Port plays a profound role in our region, not only for our businesses but for the families that live and work here. The direct and indirect impact of the Port on our regional economy is undeniable. We’re incredibly fortunate to have it in our community.”
