Michigan Port Collaborative Summit Slated Oct. 28-29 in Lansing

Michigan DEQ Helps Sponsor Program to Aid Development in Port Communities

October 16, 2009
By: Dave Rogers

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Port of Bay City, second in amount of incoming bulk shipments by water only to Detroit, does not have a port authority or existing governmental or quasi-governmental structure to support development through user fees. It is not known whether any representatives of Bay City or Bay County will be participating in the summit.)

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is partnering to present the third Michigan Port Collaborative Summit, October 28-29 at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing.

The mission of the Michigan Port Collaborative is to elevate the recognition and economic vitality of our state's Great Lakes port communities.

The Summit will unite Michigan port community leaders with their state and federal partners to advance shared goals.

The collaborative will explore a support structure, a port community designation process, and formation of a Michigan port legislative caucus. In addition, cargo port communities will develop a shared agenda, and the ad hoc small harbors coalition will also develop its new agenda.

To enrich the Summit results, each Michigan port community is encouraged to send a delegation with diverse perspectives and ideas, including elected officials; tourism, recreation, and convention and visitor bureau leaders; economic development specialists; cargo shipping, ferry, marina, and harbor operators; and museum, lighthouse, and Great Lakes underwater sanctuary and preserve leaders.

The cost to attend the Michigan Port Collaborative Summit is $40 for those who pre-register, or $60 at the door. Registration can be done online at www.michigan.gov/deqworkshops (click on "Upcoming DEQ Workshops) or by contacting the DEQ's Environmental Assistance Center at 18006629278, or e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov; mailto:deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov. ###