The
Detroit Wayne County Port Authority's new terminal building, being built between the Renaissance Center and Hart Plaza, is well on its way to a December completion. $7.1 million in federal stimulus funds will fund construction of a complementary off-shore wharf at the site.
Design concepts are complete for the 200-by-40-foot wharf, that will likely be connected to the riverfront by a cantilever bridge. Its size and distance out into the water will enable larger ships to dock at the facility and will get them away from freshwater intake and storm water discharge points along the seawall. The wharf will be able to accommodate the largest cruise ship in the Great Lakes system at this time, the
C. Columbus.
In the short term, the port authority is looking to set up a domestic ferry system that would connect Detroit to downriver and up river communities. Long term, says John Kerr, the port authority's director of economic development and grants management, the agency will consider an international ferry connection with Windsor.
The start of wharf construction will depend on how quickly the "money is allowed to flow," says Kerr. He estimates design will take just 30 days, but must also factor weather into timeline considerations.
The stimulus funds includes about $1 million for the expansion of the embarkation lounge at the under-construction terminal. Read more about that structure
here.
Source: John Kerr, DWCPA
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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