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Abstract

Muskegon Lake provides one of the deepest ports on the Great Lakes. While the port is used on a regular basis for recreational and commercial activity, there may be potential for expanding these activities and providing for a self-sustaining facility that will provide the needed infrastructure to enhance port use in Muskegon. Regionally, West Michigan provides an extensive transportation network that would support such development. With the manufacturing and agricultural base in West Michigan, there is much potential for an expanded import-export market that would provide port related activity. My research provides a basic framework for looking at the port development issue, and gives rationale for further study on the topic. Benefits and feasibility are identified and discussed in the paper. Research involved data collection on a regional basis and more specifically in and around the County of Muskegon. The Michigan Port Collaborative and The Muskegon Sustainable Harbors and Marinas Initiative, and their associated partners were instrumental in providing data and research materials for this project. While the research was able to point to many positive aspects of port development for Muskegon, it is crucial to look at the issue from a comprehensive standpoint. As with any large-scale planning issue or topic, studies that are more detailed may be necessary before a final analysis and recommendation can be made. This research is a good starting point for the overall framework regarding port development in Muskegon, and can be a guide to further research if resources and partnerships can be formed among the local leaders and private parties with interest in the port.

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