He sees a national problem that Erie can help to address.<\/p>\n
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The reconstructed Brig Niagara is seen here sailing in Tall Ships Erie 2022. The original version of the ship is the most famous vessel ever built in Erie.<\/p>\n
He wrote: “Gem City Shipbuilding is my vision to support our country and transform Erie, Pennsylvania, into a new hub of naval ship production on the Great Lakes.”<\/p>\n
New bayfront manufacturing vision: Erie leaders explore potential for major shipbuilding site<\/a><\/p>\n That idea has got the attention of political and business leaders<\/p>\n His idea has won the attention of U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick and sparked interest among local political and economic development leaders who have launched an initiative they’re calling Anchor Erie.<\/p>\n That effort is led by Tina Mengine, CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority,<\/a> and Kim Thomas, executive director of Infinite Erie.<\/p>\n “Erie was once a powerhouse in shipbuilding, and there is absolutely nothing stopping it from being one again,” McCormick said in a statement.<\/p>\n Where does Erie go from here?<\/p>\n Anchor Erie doesn’t rule out the possibility of bringing a shipbuilder to Erie<\/a>. However, the group is focusing on a three-step plan designed to position Erie to support the shipbuilding industry.<\/p>\n That plan focuses on developing a skilled workforce, building a supply chain and then working to attract an investor.<\/p>\n “We have gained a broad understanding and an appreciation for the fact that we can attract investment here,” Mengine said.<\/p>\n Erie already has a shipbuilder. Does it see room for more?<\/p>\n John Witte Jr., president of\u00a0Donjon Shipbuilding<\/a>\u00a0and Repair, <\/a>sees opportunity for both his company and others as local leaders look to expand Erie’s maritime industry.<\/p>\n The challenge is finding the work, said Witte, whose company leases the shipyard from the Erie-Western PA Port Authority.<\/p>\n “We have to have the work to be able to bring in the revenue to pay these people,” he said.<\/p>\n Donjon, which has employed as many as 300 people at its peak, is courting a contract to build Coast Guard vessels.<\/p>\n It’s a reminder that Erie already has a shipyard.<\/p>\n “We are already up and running an active shipbuilding facility,” Witte said. “We don’t need to be cleaned up. What we can do today is kind of being overlooked.”<\/p>\n Witte said Donjon welcomes others to the table.<\/p>\n “Donjon Shipbuilding and John Witte and family are committed to the shipyard and to the industry as a whole. I just want to be a part of it,” he said.<\/p>\n Contact Jim Martin at\u00a0jmartin@timesnews.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n