Michigan Senator Gary Peters is the 2021 Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) Legislator of the Year.
The award, given annually by the organization, recognizes elected officials from the Great Lakes region who promote the causes and concerns of the men and women who work on the waterways, build its vessels, operate its ports and supply the ships and crews. Over the years, it has been bestowed upon Democrats and Republicans.
“The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force is grateful for Senator Peters’ leadership and ambition to ensure the Great Lakes remain protected and forever the pilot light of the North American economy,’ stated GLMTF President John Clemons, who also serves as Toledo Port Maritime Council President.
Peters, a Democrat, has fought for funds to construct a new navigational lock for the Soo Locks between Lake Superior and the rest of the Lakes. He was an advocate for passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in 2020, which ensures proper funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from the Harbor Maintenance Trust to maintain ports and harbors in the region as well as throughout the nation. The former Naval Reservist pushed to have a new icebreaker included in federal budget legislation.
The organization is composed of 74 members, representing labor and management from U.S.-flag vessel operators, seafaring and dockers unions, port authorities, terminal operators, cargo shippers, shipyards and other Great Lakes interests.