Locals challenge ballast water legislation.

Byline: Shelley Nelson

Sep. 2--Local officials are traveling to Madison to testify today against legislation they worry could end shipping in Wisconsin Ports within seven months of enactment.

The impact would be significant 11,387 jobs, $1.35 billion in output and nearly $377 million in wages, salaries and proprietor incomes, according to 2003 data provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the most recent available.

And, its impact would be felt beyond Wisconsin's borders, said Fred Shusterich, president of Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior. He said some of the ports of call for the company's coal, such as Detroit Edison in Michigan, only have the ability to receive the product by ship.

At issue is Assembly Bill 360, which is open to a public hearing today in front of the Assembly's Natural Resources committee. Rep. Nick Milroy, D-Superior, …