'Aerotropolis' Takes Off in Michigan

Officials hope to attract shipping and transportation companies to a new 60,000 acre development near the Detroit Metro and Willow Run airports.

1 minute read

December 6, 2010, 9:00 AM PST

By Lynn Vande Stouwe


The Michigan Senate recently approved key tax incentives programs to encourage development of the now-vacant site for businesses related to the transportation of goods by air, roads or water. The project, planned since the 1990's, may create 50,000 jobs in the Detroit area over the next 15 years, says Chris Christoff.

Local leaders have high hopes for the project, Christoff writes:

"Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano has called the Aerotropolis project a key to economic growth in the area, using the assets of the two airports and nearby highways...Sen. Ray Basham, D-Taylor, said the Aerotropolis plan will boost the downriver area by making Detroit Metro airport a commercial shipping hub."

Friday, December 3, 2010 in Detroit Free Press

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