Detroit council hears Port Authority budget pitch; several port items moved to executive session

The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority presented its FY2027 budget request to the City Council’s expanded Budget, Finance and Audit Committee on March 11, outlining electrification projects, hydrogen planning and a proposal for a new Detroit Wayne Mobility Innovation Terminal.

Mark Schrupp, executive director of the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority, told the committee the authority received two EPA clean ports grants in 2024 to replace diesel port equipment with battery-electric alternatives and to plan hydrogen fuel conversions. "We just ordered two electric boats — one for the Detroit Harbour Master and one for the Wayne County Sheriff," Schrupp said, and he described plans to convert vessels and heavy equipment to hydrogen fuel cells as part of a longer-term decarbonization strategy.

The Port Authority asked the council to continue a $300,000 annual operational appropriation, which Travis Jackson, the port’s finance director, described as level-funded and intended to support a six-person staff and ongoing building maintenance. "Our ask today is for $300,000, which is on par with previous years," Jackson said. He also provided a revenue…