MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) -- Muskegon Lake has been an economic engine since even before the formation of Muskegon County. Back then, traders used the lake to transport loads of furs. Decades later it was used by lumber barons, and eventually industrialists.
But times are changing, and the long-running economic engine for Muskegon needs a tune-up. It's one reason a detailed economic study looked at how big of an economic impact expanding port activity in Muskegon could have on the county and West Michigan.
"That is an opportunity for the community to look at the lake and see where it can go in the future," said Erin Kuhn, executive director of the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission.
Jobs and Muskegon's economy have been connected to the lake for more than 100 years. Future jobs and economic growth may rely heavily on increasing commerce shipping to and from Muskegon. Moreover, according to Kuhn, the report released this week is proof the impact would be felt around the state.
The port study claims expanding commercial shipping could result in as much as a $280 million in economic activity annually while supporting 1,700 new jobs.
Port expansion supporters are eyeing the soon-to-close B.C. Cobb plant and other sites to ship everything from corn to car parts.
The release of the study was made just as Muskegon appeared as a port of call on a cruise ship's website.
"We are 99 percent sure that we are going to see ships in 2016; I think we will definitely see them in 2017,"
said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.
The Pearl Mist lists stops in Muskegon on several August Great Lakes cruises. Local business and tourism leaders have been working on attracting the ship since the it made an unscheduled docking on Muskegon Lake in 2015. Cruise ships have multiple dock to choose from in Muskegon's Port. The county is drafting plans to make the dock at Heritage Landing the primary location for cruise ships to drop anchor.
"It is still very early in the year, so a lot of things could change; however, we are excited. The plan is to see them in Muskegon this summer, and so we are going to work toward that goal," said Larsen.
Holland is also listed on the ports of call. The Pearl Mist stopped in that community in 2014 and 2015. Tourism leaders in Muskegon and Holland say they've had trouble getting exact details on the ships' Great Lakes itinerary. It may be due in part to the ship's operators starting a busy season of cruising to ports in Panama and Costa Rica.
To see the complete economic and fiscal benefits of the port of Muskegon study, visit this link.