State port shipments signal boost in economy

The state's port authority says shipments at the Port of Indiana in Burns Harbor rose 52 percent in 2009 in a sign of better economic conditions.

A report on activity at Burns Harbor and Indiana's two Ohio River ports shows the three ports brought in about $5.418 billion to the state economy in 2009. Burns Harbor accounted for about 65 percent of the total economic activity.

Ports of Indiana CEO Rich Cooper tells The Times of Munster that the study helps quantify the ports' impact on the state's economy.

Port officials say the specific numbers can help the state apply for federal grants and generate more business at the ports.