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The SLSDC or Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation is a wholly owned government corporation created in 1954, to construct, operate & maintain the US portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway between the Port of Montreal & Lake Erie. @SeawayUSDOT #LearnAboutDOT
Part of a true international effort, the Canadian counterpart SLSMC or St Lawrence Seaway Management Corp, is responsible from Montreal to the Atlantic Ocean. Pres. Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth opened the Seaway in 1959.
Also known as @hwyh2o , the Seaway is over 2000 nautical miles long from Duluth to the Atlantic & provides access to important & valuable commercial, industrial, & agricultural shipping in addition to recreational boats & cruise ships.
The Seaway faces many challenges. The locks are too small for modern bulk or container ships. Besides the expense, there are serious environmental issues to be considered. Overseas ships are primarily responsible for ongoing issues with invasive species.
https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/high-water-and-pandemic-challenge-great-lakes-seaway-shipping/
https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/high-water-and-pandemic-challenge-great-lakes-seaway-shipping/
The Seaway was built as a binational partnership between the U.S. & Canada through international agreements that carry the weight of treaties. The two Seaway corporations have a good working relationship to face the future. https://www.seaway.dot.gov/about/what-does-slsdc-do
Fun facts - The Seaway is often closed during the winter due to ice & reopens with icebreakers can reopen the shipping lanes. 45 US Coast Guard stations operate throughout the Great Lakes.
