American Great Lakes Ports Association Inc.

The American Great Lakes Ports Association Inc. (AGLPA), with EIN 200050293, is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization founded in 1977. Its primary mission is to represent the interests of commercial ports and port users on the U.S. side of the Great Lakes, focusing on fostering maritime commerce and related employment within the region.

Mission and Activities

AGLPA works to influence public policies that promote maritime commerce and support job creation in the Great Lakes region. It serves as a unified voice for its members, dedicated to educating policymakers, the media, and the public about the critical economic role played by Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway shipping. AGLPA is actively engaged in advocacy efforts, addressing legislative issues that impact the industry.

Industry Overview

The Great Lakes Seaway shipping industry, which AGLPA supports, is part of one of the world's longest deep-draft navigation systems. This system includes the five Great Lakes, their connecting channels, and the St. Lawrence River. Commercial shipping in this network serves over 100 ports across the eight U.S. Great Lakes states and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The industry primarily transports bulk cargo, though all types of cargo are handled.

Advocacy and Events

AGLPA hosts significant maritime policy conferences, including its annual conference, which is the largest of its kind in the Great Lakes region. These events bring together industry experts and policymakers to discuss challenges such as infrastructure modernization, supply chain resilience, environmental enhancement, and trade development. The organization actively promotes public policies that benefit its member ports and the broader maritime industry.

Economic Impact

Great Lakes ports have been successful in securing federal grants for infrastructure improvements. For example, several Great Lakes ports have received significant funding through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to enhance port capacity and modernize facilities. This support has helped to drive economic growth and improve the competitiveness of the region's maritime sector.