U.S. Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet Presses Coast Guard for New Great Lakes Icebreaker Amid Economic Losses
U.S. Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Democrat from Bay City, Michigan, along with other members of Michigan's congressional delegation, has urged the U.S. Coast Guard to accelerate the development of a new heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes. This push comes after shipping industry leaders reported losing 82 days of their latest season due to insufficient icebreaking capacity. The current heavy icebreaker, the USCGC Mackinaw, was deemed only partially mission-capable this season and could not navigate the Soo Locks. According to McDonald Rivet, the Coast Guard cited personnel shortages as a reason for slow progress, a justification she acknowledged but deemed insufficient given the issue's importance to the Great Lakes region. A study by the Lake Carriers Association on the 2018-19 shipping season, which also experienced significant ice cover, estimated over 5,000 job losses dependent on the U.S.-flagged fleet's cargo delivery and more than $1 billion in lost revenue for the maritime industry. Mc... 
