Michigan Report Highlights Economic Impact of Ports and Harbors

The Michigan Port Collaborative, an industry partner of the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), released a report highlighting the $19.7 billion economic impact produced by Michigan’s ports and harbors, $15.4B of which was produced by water-based tourism and recreation.

“We thank the MI Port Collaborative for investing in this important study, highlighting the significant impact of Michigan’s ports, tourism and recreation, including boating,” said MBIA Executive Director Nicki Polan.

Noted in key findings of the study: water-based tourism and recreation economic impacts are nearly four times the size of commercial economic impacts. The study also finds that port/harbor water-based tourism economic activity supports approximately 124,892 full-time equivalent jobs around the state. The state of Michigan and state municipalities collected an estimated $1 billion in tax revenue from this labor in 2017, and the federal government received $1.3 billion.

“The impact of our industry in the state is often underestimated and seen as ‘seasonal.’ This report is proof our industry is great and is a large contribution to our state and federal economy,” Polan said.