Detroit Wayne County Port Authority outlines maritime priorities, seeks renewed state support

Mark Shrupp, executive director of the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority, told the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Local Transportation that the Port of Detroit handles 8–10 million tons of cargo annually, supports roughly 6,000 jobs and accounts for nearly $1 billion in regional economic activity.

Shrupp gave the presentation after the subcommittee convened without a quorum; the panel proceeded with testimony but was not able to take formal votes or approve minutes. "We're a municipal entity, but we're not a department of either of those entities," Shrupp said, describing the authority's board appointments and funding structure.

The port authority’s pitch centered on three priorities: maintaining and expanding maritime infrastructure and trade; reducing port-related air pollution; and preparing former industrial sites for new investment. The authority said its jurisdiction covers roughly 32 miles of the Detroit and Rouge rivers and that it operates with a lean staff of about six to seven employees.

Why it matters: the Great Lakes maritime system supports manufacturing supply chains and regional trade that state and local officials said merit continued state investment. Shrupp noted comparative investments in other Midwest states — for example, Indiana’s recent $50 million and…