The Muskegon port could be expanded to accommodate for larger cargo. The port is one of the only naturally occurring deep water ports, which makes it ideal for bigger ships.
The port could be used to transport agricultural fertilizers and other goods like wind turbines, scrap metals and coal.
Jonathon Seyferth is with Muskegon Area First. He says expanding the Muskegon port could help transport goods across the country.
"The port can make West Michigan and Muskegon an attractive option for all kinds of economic industrial manufacturing development," he said.
Jim Byrum with the Michigan Agribusiness Association says water transport is cost effective for businesses. He says job creation is a priority for the port expansion.
"It's all about jobs," he said. "There would be the opportunities for folks to engage in trade. It's a whole different opportunity that we haven't really seen in the lakes and in Muskegon for some time."
Byrum says there's no official cost estimate for the project yet. He says Muskegon area businesses interested in developing the port would help foot the bill.
-Sarah Kerson, Michigan Radio Newsroom
