Port of Green Bay
The Fox River has played a crucial role in Wisconsin’s history, serving as a natural highway for trade, industry, and settlement for centuries. The river flows 182 miles from its headwaters in central Wisconsin, through Lake Winnebago, and eventually into Green Bay and Lake Michigan, making it a key waterway in the state’s development.
The Fox River continues to be a strong economic driver for the area as it provides shipping, recreation, and conservation access. It also provides businesses with access to the Great Lakes through marine global shipping routes.
The Pulliam Power Plant once sat at the mouth of the Fox River. When it was closed and demolished, its valuable waterfront site sat underutilized. While strategically located with access to rail, highways, and water transportation, the site’s industrial history posed challenges, including environmental concerns, outdated infrastructure, and the need for a full reconfiguration. Without action, this property risked remaining a rusted industrial relic rather than a catalyst for renewed economic growth.
Recognizing the site’s strategic location, Brown County acquired the former Pulliam property to expand the Port of Green Bay and spur regional growth. The goal was not only to provide a new home for existing port operations, but also to create a state-of-the-art facility that would attract new industries and enhance the region’s transportation infrastructure. To bring this vision to life, Brown County partnered with GEI for its deep expertise in port redevelopment, waterfront engineering, and environmental planning.
GEI’s work began with comprehensive site planning that included geotechnical exploration, ecological surveys, stormwater and floodplain modeling, and topographic and bathymetric data collection. These efforts laid the groundwork for a redevelopment plan that would be both sustainable and functional.
Led by Senior Project Manager Mark Vannieuwenhoven, the GEI team is currently: Designing new dockwalls, analyzing mooring systems for large cargo vessels, developing modern stormwater infrastructure, and creating a layout optimized for rail and intermodal transport. Marine engineering specialist Russell Titmuss, permitting lead Kyle Bretl, FEMA permitting lead Jes Mason, and NEPA coordinator Eric Englund played key roles in ensuring regulatory compliance and advancing the project through the permitting process.
GEI’s familiarity with the site—built through years of environmental assessments and remediation work—enabled our team to identify sustainable solutions early on. Instead of disposing of dredged and coal-residual materials, GEI developed strategies to reuse them as safe, cost-effective fill. The team also prioritized low-impact development and design elements that would withstand climate-driven water level fluctuations.
Once complete, the Pulliam redevelopment will position Green Bay as a competitive shipping hub. The upgraded port will enhance cargo capacity, attract new tenants, support job creation, and strengthen access to global markets. The project is already being recognized as a critical investment in the region’s economic future.
GEI’s work, and close collaboration with Brown County, is transforming the Pulliam site into a modern gateway for trade and prosperity. Once complete, the Pulliam site will become a state-of-the-art port facility, attracting new industries, improving shipping efficiency, and creating job opportunities.
