From the Lakes, on the Lakes & for the Lakes: Captain Paul C. LaMarre III

Why It Matters

The port’s revival demonstrates how strategic, public‑focused leadership can unlock hidden economic value in legacy infrastructure, while AGLPA’s advocacy positions the Great Lakes as a critical, under‑leveraged trade route for the U.S. heartland.

Key Takeaways

• Port of Monroe now generates $85M regional impact.
• Monroe created 520 direct jobs through maritime operations.
• AGLPA represents 15 Great Lakes public ports nationally.
• New $19.5M container terminal slated for Q3 2026.
• Maritime workforce aging; industry seeks to attract youth.

Pulse Analysis

The Great Lakes have long been America’s hidden maritime artery, moving iron ore, coal, limestone and grain across inland seas that bypass coastal congestion. Captain Paul C. LaMarre III leverages his family legacy and naval aviation experience to champion this "fourth seacoast," arguing that its proximity to the Midwest reduces shipping costs and environmental footprints. By framing the lakes as a national economic advantage, LaMarre helps policymakers and investors see beyond the romantic image of freighters toward tangible supply‑chain resilience.

LaMarre’s most visible achievement is the turnaround of the Port of Monroe. When he arrived in 2012, the facility had been idle since 1978; today it contributes roughly $85 million annually and supports 520 jobs, a testament to his maritime‑first, non‑profit strategy. The upcoming $19.5 million container terminal, designed to meet 100 % SAFE Port Act standards, will handle boutique cargo volumes, enabling the port to diversify beyond bulk commodities while maintaining nimble operations suited to the Great Lakes’ 650‑TEU vessel size.

Looking ahead, LaMarre stresses that sustained growth hinges on targeted investment—icebreakers, dredging, and modern infrastructure—and on revitalizing the aging labor pool. Through AGLPA, he pushes for equitable federal grant allocations and promotes cultural initiatives like Port Heritage Days to inspire the next generation. By aligning policy, technology, and community outreach, LaMarre envisions a vibrant maritime sector that not only fuels regional economies but also bolsters national security and competitiveness.