Indiana Ports’ Economic Impact Detailed

Indiana’s three ports generate $8.7 billion annually for the state’s economy and support more than 49,000 jobs statewide, according to a new study released by Ports of Indiana.

Ports of Indiana commissioned Martin Associates of Lancaster, Pa., to study the economic activities generated by domestic and international freight moving through the ports of Burns Harbor, Jeffersonville and Mount Vernon, along with the economic output of port-related companies, wages, and taxes.

Martin Associates identified 49,040 jobs supported by port activities, including direct, indirect, induced, and related jobs. Employment supported by Ports of Indiana’s activities generates annual wages totaling $3.5 billion, and state and local governments collect $526 million in taxes per year from port operations, of which $213 million goes to local governments.

On the Ohio River, annual operations at Jeffersonville generate $2.48 billion in economic activity, and Mount Vernon produces $1.6 billion, the study found. On Lake Michigan, Burns Harbor generates $4.6 billion in annual economic impacts.

“It’s gratifying to see the incredible economic return Ports of Indiana provides to the state, but our focus is always on building for the future,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “Our ports have hundreds of acres of available industrial sites with direct access to domestic and international markets via river barges, lakers, ocean vessels, and all major Class I rail carriers. these logistics resources provide critical strategic advantages for Indiana’s agriculture, manufacturing and industrial sectors.”