Study Reveals Powerful Economic Impact From Detroit’s Ports

Posted on December 9, 2011

A recent economic impact study by the maritime industry revealed significant contributions to the states and province surrounding the Great Lakes.

For example, the study found that in 2010, cargo and vessel activities in the Port of Detroit generated $289.7 million in state and federal taxes. In addition, $255.3 million in wages and salaries were paid to the Port of Detroit system’s 5,622 employees handling cargo such as steel, iron ore, non-ferrous metals, petroleum, stone, cement and salt.

John Jamian, Executive Director of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, said this is the first time a comprehensive review of port activities along the entire Great Lakes System has been done, adding the report shows the vital role the Port of Detroit in the region’s growth.

The broad-sweeping study, which was performed in partnership with the Great Lakes-Seaway system stakeholders and the U.S. and Canadian governments, highlights excellent economic news about jobs and revenue generated by the Port of Detroit.

In 2010, firms that depend upon cargo handled at Port of Detroit marine terminals, along with the industries related to that cargo, contributed $6.4 billion to the national economy, according to the report, The Economic Impacts of the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway System.