IN HCR0009

Urges agencies and stakeholders to collaboratively explore extending the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway navigation season beyond its current 9-month operating period (closed 3 months each winter since the 1950s)

Indiana has the largest maritime economy among all eight Great Lakes states, accounting for 57% of U.S. economic impacts from Great Lakes shipping

Indiana's ports and maritime industry generate nearly $30 billion annually, supporting more than 158,000 jobs and $11.5 billion in personal income

Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor, the state's only public Great Lakes port, handles over 3 million tons of cargo annually and has new international trade partnerships with Ireland, Belgium, and Canada that would benefit from extended navigation

Copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Governor, Ports of Indiana, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and Indiana's Congressional Delegation