Erie is receiving national recognition for its role in international shipping and freight movement across the Great Lakes region.
Officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation have awarded the Western Pennsylvania Port Authority with the Pacesetter Award, recognizing its efficiency in moving international cargo through the Great Lakes maritime system.
The Western Pennsylvania Port Authority was honored alongside the Carmeuse Erie Dock and eight other Great Lakes ports, including facilities in Buffalo, Milwaukee, and Toledo. The award highlights ports that demonstrate exceptional performance and contribute to the efficient movement of goods throughout the region.
Port officials said they are proud to receive the recognition but emphasized that the achievement is the result of the dedication and hard work of employees, partners, and stakeholders who keep cargo moving safely and efficiently.
According to the Department of Transportation, increased shipping activity through the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System generates more than $26 billion in economic activity across the United States. The system serves as a critical transportation corridor for international trade, supporting jobs and economic growth throughout the Great Lakes region.