Bill Text: MI SR0074 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to call for international maritime containers to be treated equally in Michigan compared to other states.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Passed) 2021-07-15 - Adopted [SR0074 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-SR0074-Enrolled.html
senate resolution no.74
Senators Chang, Zorn, Santana and Bayer offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Manufacturing and agriculture are major industries in Michigan. The food and agriculture industry contributes more than $100 billion to the state economy annually. Manufacturing accounts for nearly 20 percent of the state's annual total output; and
Whereas, The manufacturing and agriculture industries rely on the efficient movement, including by water, of inputs and finished commodities to remain competitive. Maritime transportation plays an important role in providing low-cost and efficient means of moving Michigan products overseas, with international maritime containers being the most ubiquitous method of moving products; and
Whereas, Michigan's location near the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway System contributes to the state's strong manufacturing and agriculture base. With 3,000 miles of shoreline and the most commercial port terminals in the Great Lakes region, Michigan can and should lead the region in international maritime trade; and
Whereas, Since 2016, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has restricted all international maritime containers entering Michigan. Clearance requirements have been implemented on Michigan ports that are not in place anywhere else in the United States; and
Whereas, The CBP restrictions have economically disadvantaged Michigan and hurt infrastructure and the environment. Cargo that cannot be unloaded in Michigan is taken to nearby ports, leading to high fees for businesses and creating hundreds of jobs in other states. In addition, Michigan's environment and roads are harmed when international containers are moved to and from the state by truck, instead of by ship; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we call on Michigan officials to ensure Michigan manufacturing, agriculture, and ports are treated equally to other states and be allowed to import and export international maritime containers; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge the United States Customs and Border Protection to stop the restriction on cargo in Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Commissioner of United States Customs and Border Protection, the Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
