 
Genesyxx
Member
Username: Genesyxx
Post Number: 887
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 8:19 am: |    |
From Model D:
One of the unfinished segments of the Detroit RiverWalk has received the funding necessary to begin construction this summer. The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority was awarded two transportation grants for its public dock and terminal to be sited at the foot of Bates Street.
The funding allocations, one from the federal government and another from the state, brings its total amount raised for the project to $15 million, enough to construct its first phase. Final construction documents are now being reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration and the Michigan Department of Transportation. Once they are approved, hopefully by June, "you'll see some full-site mobilization out there," says John Kerr, the port's economic development specialist.
The first phase will consist of the terminal building being constructed and approximately two-thirds of its interior being built out. The completed portion will be able to serve a domestic fleet of cruise ships; the remaining portion will be built out to accommodate customs for foreign ships. "In the short term, we'll be able to accommodate all vessels that are out there today," he says. "In the long term, it will be a full-scale, international-slash-domestic terminal."
Another phase will build an offshore wharf that can dock larger ships than can currently be handled. Kerr says that funding sources have already been identified for the next two phases.
In other port news, the United States Department of Homeland Security has elevated the strategic value of the Port of Detroit from Tier III to a Tier II, which means that it is guaranteed funding on an annual basis from the federal government. Citing other Tier 2 ports like Miami, Boston and Baltimore, Kerr says this recognition is good for his agency and the city.
"We feel our unique port characteristics as an international port and border will draw emerging homeland security technology companies to our port to demonstrate and implement creative and cutting edge solutions," he says. "This will enhance our area's image as a leader in homeland security technology, while addressing critical areas of need along our waterways." |
Rugbyman
Member
Username: Rugbyman
Post Number: 298
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 9:17 am: | |
I'm actually pretty excited about this development. I know it's flying under the radar and it's not likely to be a booming enterprise on the waterfront in the near future, but who knows? Hopefully it'll at least be profitable. I've often thought it'd be nice to take a cruise on the lakes- even just a quick run up to Port Huron and back for a booze cruise would be fun. |
Gaz
Member
Username: Gaz
Post Number: 43
Registered: 04-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 11:30 am: | |
This can only be beneficial for the city. Things are looking up! I know there is a long way to go, but this sure can't hurt! |
Troy
Member
Username: Troy
Post Number: 220
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 12:08 pm: | |
If this has a customs port does that open it up for a passenger ferry to connect foot and bicycle traffic from the riverwalk to windsor? |
Dtowncitylover
Member
Username: Dtowncitylover
Post Number: 45
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 12:11 pm: | |
Where is Bates Street? |
Crew
Member
Username: Crew
Post Number: 1419
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 12:17 pm: | |
Bates street used to be where the City-County building is today abd extended all the way to the river. |
D_mcc
Member
Username: D_mcc
Post Number: 637
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 12:25 pm: | |
I think the elevation from Tier III to Tier II is the most important thing about this announcement. |
Gravitymachine
Member
Username: Gravitymachine
Post Number: 2035
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 12:41 pm: | |
quote:Where is Bates Street?
assuming you are more interested in discerning the location of the new port terminal than the location of the street....
the terminal will go on the as yet unfinished site on part of the riverwalk between the rencen and hart plaza
(Message edited by gravitymachine on April 08, 2008) |
Burnsie
Member
Username: Burnsie
Post Number: 1362
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 3:21 pm: | |
"Another phase will build an offshore wharf that can dock larger ships than can currently be handled."
They could get some REALLY larger ships if the St. Lawrence Seaway hadn't been built with locks that limited the length of boats to about 729'. Even back then people knew that was too small. Boats longer than 729' can go through Detroit but they can't go out to the ocean. |
D_mcc
Member
Username: D_mcc
Post Number: 640
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 3:28 pm: | |
Maybe the federal government should consider expansion of the sea way trough large public works projects. Not only would that substantially better our infrastructure, it would also create jobs and industry.
Wait...my bad, our country doesn't do that, it would go no-bid to Haliburton |
Jaydetroit
Member
Username: Jaydetroit
Post Number: 18
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 3:29 pm: | |
I'm always excited about new development within the city...but I was hoping someone on here could explain to me the benefits derived from the new Port Authority...? I'm not familiar with the types of economic growth this produces... |
Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 4575
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 3:34 pm: | |
I'd like to see a rendering of the wharf. I'd hope it's something that's low-impact and won't affect the flow of the river, creating accretion and what not.
This is great news. The most central portion of our riverfront, between two focal points, is kind of a mess right now. The upgrade to TII means that we'll get more federal funding and probably more government jobs created here, and we need all we can get.
This will go together nicely with the revamping of Hart Plaza. I would still love to see Bates Street go back to its original use as a retail/commercial district. I think low-rise, mixed-use structures ought to be built facing Bates on one side, and Hart Plaza on the other. The parking garage at the foot of Bates ought be razed and replaced with a structure with parking, offices, and retail, or revamped to include ground-floor retail. I think this will make a lot of sense once the Port is done and active, and we want a more suitable first impression of the city for people coming off and on boats. Obviously, though, it is a key place to have at least some parking in order to facilitate the movement of people.
One additional thought: the construction of a heavy-duty series of docks there in that location would probably enable Detroit-Windsor ferry service. A passenger ferry could service tourists/day-trippers and commuters, if DDOT has a future bus/streetcar route that can go direct from the Port to WSU/DMC etc. Or, a car ferry is not implausible. There could be money to be made there. |
Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313
Post Number: 634
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 8:11 pm: | |
Good to hear the river walk moving along....
<313> |