Detroit Wayne County Port Authority urges continued state support, outlines emissions and redevelopment plans

Mark Shrupp, executive director of the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority, told the Appropriation Subcommittee on State and Local Transportation that the Port of Detroit handles millions of tons of cargo, supports thousands of jobs and requires continued state investment to fund cleanup, emissions reductions and redevelopment projects.

"It's my honor to be here to provide some information about the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority," Shrupp said during the hearing that proceeded despite the committee lacking a quorum. He described the port authority's role, its annual state appropriation and plans to reduce local pollution from port operations.

The port authority is a municipal entity formed under a 1978 statute and governed by a board appointed by the City of Detroit, Wayne County and the governor, Shrupp said. He told the subcommittee the authority's mission is "to advance maritime trade and related industries, initiate port and transit infrastructure projects and support economic development in international trade." He said funding for the authority's general operations comes from the state ($600,000 annually) and $300,000 each from the city and county, creating a $1.2 million general fund.

Why it matters: the Port of Detroit moves bulk raw materials that supply regional manufacturers and supports jobs near the Detroit River. Shrupp told legislators that about 8 million to 10 million tons of cargo pass through privately operated terminals in the port…