Peters, Stabenow Announce $16 Million in Federal Funding for Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority

DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority has been awarded $16,030,000 through the Port Infrastructure Development Program from the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“This funding will be essential in helping the Port play a greater role in our maritime transportation system and ensuring efficient travel, trade and transporting of goods,” said Senator Peters. “Our Great Lakes ports like the Port of Detroit are critical to our economy and help to strengthen our nation’s supply chain – and this investment in the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority will help increase the Port’s economic impact and support good-paying jobs.”

“The Port of Detroit plays an essential role in supporting trade and commerce in our state. Millions of tons of cargo pass through the port, as well as the commodities that supply our manufacturers, build our roads and strengthen our supply chains. This funding is a critical investment in our maritime infrastructure that will boost Michigan’s economy and create new jobs in the years to come,” said Senator Stabenow.

The project will rehabilitate existing port infrastructure and construct new port infrastructure. It includes creating a new port/rail connection; adding dry bulk cargo handling platforms and a covered warehouse; reconstructing a dock; installing 2 bulk-liquid storage tanks; and constructing an additional berth to facilitate fueling of cargo vessels.

Peters has been a strong advocate for increased funding for Michigan’s ports. During negotiations for the bipartisan infrastructure law, Peters pushed for and succeeded in securing increased investments for the Port Infrastructure Development Program to fund port infrastructure needed to improve freight mobility, address port congestion, and improve port competitiveness. Peters serves on the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee and chairs the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports.

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