Great Lakes Icebreaker Funding Cut from Senate Bill
Michigan Representative Bill Huizenga is leading efforts to restore funding for a new Great Lakes icebreaker that was included in the House-passed version of the One Big Beautiful Bill but omitted from the Senate’s version.
“While the House-passed version of the One Big Beautiful Bill supports the Coast Guard’s request for a Great Lakes icebreaker, the current Senate language cut it while funding other icebreakers,” Huizenga stated in a tweet.
The Michigan congressman emphasized the economic importance of adequate icebreaking capability on the Great Lakes, noting that “The U.S. economy lost more than $1 billion and 5,000 jobs in the 2018/19 winter alone due to inadequate icebreaking on the Great Lakes.”
Huizenga and colleagues from the Great Lakes region have sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Thune and Chairman Cruz requesting the Senate maintain support for the icebreaker. The letter highlights that the Senate bill “includes funding for every category of icebreaker requested by the U.S. Coast Guard in the reconciliation bill except the Great Lakes icebreaker.”
Currently, the Coast Guard operates three polar icebreakers, 21 domestic icebreakers, and 16 ice-capable buoy tenders. The first new heavy icebreaker in 50 years is under construction at Bollinger Shipbuilding in Mississippi, with completion expected around 2030.
The Coast Guard’s broader strategic vision includes building a fleet of eight to nine polar icebreakers as part of the President’s initiative to acquire at least 40 new icebreakers.
In their appeal to Senate leadership, the Great Lakes delegation emphasized that “Efficient commerce on the Great Lakes is critical to American steel production and manufacturing with implications that extend far beyond the Midwest.”
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Little Sailors Day brings maritime fun and learning to Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie, MI – The second annual Little Sailors Day at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours in Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday was filled with fun and educational activities for people of all ages.
The lot was filled with several exhibits ranging from interactive demonstrations to learning the ropes of working on a Great Lakes freighter to mastering essential water safety skills and so much more.
The Ojibway Supply Boat was docked and allowed people to board and check out the vessel.
For a special treat, the Valerie B tug (owned by Kokosing Construction) gave those on shore a special water display by shooting out water using all three of its fire nozzles.
One of the many highlights of the event was the National Guard’s participation. According to the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours, the National Guard 14th 37th 1437MRBC took part in Little Sailors Day. Members of the guard showcased their heavy equipment and offered free boat rides for kids.
The National Guard uses various types of boats, including the Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM-8) and the newer Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) (MSV(L)). These boats are designed for cargo operations and can carry significant loads, making them essential for military logistics. Kids had the unique opportunity to experience these boats firsthand and enjoy free rides with the National Guard.
Lori Mason took her 7-year-old son, Mason, to the event. Mason has been a Boatnerd since he was three after seeing the Paul R. Tregurtha at Rotary Park. However, his favorite freighter is the James R. Barker.
“He has been here all day. It makes him happy. It means everything to him. He got to go on the Ojibway Supply Boat, which is something you normally don’t do. He also got to talk to Chrissy Kadleck from Interlake,” Lori said. Interlake Maritime Services, through its subsidiary Soo Maritime Services, owns Original Soo Locks Boat Tours.
Roger LeLievre, from Know Your Ships, was also hand with books and free stickers for the kids.
Michelle Briggs, Chief Park Ranger at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was on-site demonstrating water safety.
“One of the most important missions for Park Rangers in the Army Corps is water safety. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the largest provider of outdoor water recreation in the country, and we take it very seriously that people be safe in and around the water. We have several water safety activities here, plus we are also giving our ‘Water Safety Pledge’ where the children take a promise to always be safe around the water, never swim alone and always wear a life jacket. Then they get a water-safety goodie bag.” Briggs explained.
To top it off, OSLBT offered free tour boat rides up to two children under 17 per adult.
Sheila Merchand, Business Manager at OSLBT, started the inaugural event back in 2024. This year, she wanted something bigger and better.
“It was good last year, but we just wanted to expand. Norris Seward helped out a lot by getting most of these vendors here. We wanted to make it more than just a thing for little kids, but for everyone to learn about the entire maritime industry and not just the freighters,” Merchand said.
Soo Leader/Jim Lehocky
