With help from state and federal money, up to 100 construction jobs could be created over the next three years at Superior’s Fraser Shipyards. Rich Kremer reports.

A $3.7 million dollar Harbor Assistance Grant from the state will allow Fraser Shipyards to improve their facilities this summer. It’s the third largest grant of its kind in state history. The first phase of the three year project will rebuild about 850 feet of outdated docks. State Senator Bob Jauch says the grant will put construction workers back on the job.

“For the 40 or 45 jobs, that’s really important because it’s work for them, its income for them, it helps them pay their bills and meet their mortgage responsibilities.”

Fraser will also use part of the state money to apply for a $10 million grant from the Federal Maritime Administration, part of the just passed federal stimulus bill. With the federal grant, Fraser will add an additional 950 feet of dock to accommodate more ships, meaning up to 15 permanent full time jobs could be created. Douglas County Development Association Director Andy Lisak says these are the kind of jobs we must protect.

“These are union-wage, family supporting jobs and it’s important to keep our skilled workforce here in the community doing projects here in the community.”

Superior Mayor Dave Ross says this kind of state investment helps more than just Fraser Shipyards.

“We need to make sure that we’re investing in our infrastructure on our water front because it produces the kind of jobs, well paying jobs with good benefits for our community."

CEO Jim Korthals says most of this property consists of large rocks called riprap that prevent erosion. The problem is it also prevents ships from docking.

“Typically vessels do not like to come in and tie up against riprap because it’s dangerous for them. (Why is it dangerous?) If the boat moves there’s nothing there that they would be able to settle up against whereas if we had sheet piling they would have a fender or a bumper for them to rub up against.”

With the help of a $3.7 million grant from the state Harbor Assistance Program, Fraser will begin construction on the first 850 feet of sheet piling this summer. Part of the state grant will also be used as a down payment to apply for a $10 million stimulus grant through the Federal Maritime Administration small shipyards program. If successful, Fraser will complete the remaining 950 feet of piling and dredge the water surrounding the site. Lisak says the grants will help Fraser stay competitive.

“The ability to get both state money and possibly federal money to help make major improvements here at Fraser Shipyard not only improves the chances of Fraser being able to get additional business but also enhances our ports reputation as being the key port on the great lakes.”

Ross says the city’s port is part of its history and keeping it working is important.

“A vital waterfront with a lot of vitality and good quality infrastructure helps us compete with the other ports in the Great Lakes for the business of repairing ships. So anytime we invest in this facility and make it more attractive for more work and more jobs, I think this is good for all of us.”

96 people work at Fraser Shipyards refurbishing ships wintering in the Twin Ports. About 20 to 45 people work at Fraser during the summer months.

Fraser Shipyards has been repairing and building vessels for nearly 120 years. It is the last major U.S. owned shipyard on the American side of the Great Lakes.

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