INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, US — Indiana’s three ports, which handle grains, soybean, ethanol and DDGs, contribute $8.2 billion per year, support 51,000 jobs and generate more than $552 million in state and local taxes, according to a new economic impact report.

The report, completed every five years, is based on 2019 data. The port’s economic contribution increased 5% from the previous report.

Looking ahead, Ports of Indiana will invest $50 million in infrastructure improvement projects by 2025, including $28 million at Burns Harbor and $22 million in Jeffersonville.

In 2019, Mount Vernon completed a $2 million capital improvement project, including a new overhead gantry crane.

“Maritime plays a large part in our state’s economy,” said Vanta E. Coda II, chief executive officer of the Ports of Indiana. “2021 looks to be another strong year and we hope to see international shipments grow. Transportation is all about bigger, better, faster; that’s always our goal.”

In 2019, the Ports of Indiana harbors — Burns Harbor, Jeffersonville and Mount Vernon — handled nearly 16.4 million tons of waterborne cargo, including key commodities such as coal, iron ore, steel products, grain, soybean products, ethanol, DDG, fertilizer, dry bulks and minerals.

The Ports of Indiana manages a total of 2,800 acres with more than 75 companies operating. Additionally, more than 900 acres of available land are ready to develop or lease.

The maritime industry, which includes Lake Michigan and the Ohio River, contributes $27 billion economic revenue and 157,000 jobs overall.

“Simply put, Ports of Indiana is a longtime supporter of Indiana and will continue to play a vital role in supporting our state’s economy, jobs, tax resources and their respective communities,” Coda said.