Experts believe that the gift contribution of $1 million brings funds raised for the Conservancy’s East Riverfront project to approximately $102 million. County Executive Robert Ficano informed that Wayne County is pleased to provide resources to enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and spend their leisure time in its communities.
He further said that this award to the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy represents the County’s support of the riverfront and how it positively impacts people’s lives. Through grant funds received by Wayne County for public safety and healthy living and wellness efforts and announced a $1 million award to the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy made possible from the county departments of Homeland Security/Emergency Management and Health and Human Services.
According to the source the funds will be used to support the riverfront’s public safety initiatives and health and wellness activities on the RiverWalk and its adjoining parks. It is told that the campaign supports the Conservancy’s development of the public space along the East Riverfront, which is a total length of 3 1/2 miles of property from Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park, just beyond the MacArthur (Belle Isle) Bridge, as well as the permanent operations, maintenance and programming of the public space. In June 2007, the Conservancy opened nearly three miles of the Detroit RiverWalk and two of four planned plazas and pavilions to the public.
Jewel Ware, Wayne County Commission Chairwoman and Conservancy board member, said that it is good to be a part of the Conservancy as it is re-claiming the Riverfront from its industrial past and opening it up for public access. The Riverfront is a shining example of the public sector working in concert with the private sector to benefit the city and the county.
It in informed that work has begun on the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority public dock and terminal, located on Riverfront property just west of the GM Renaissance Center. The planned 21,000 square foot development will be able to accommodate all types of vessels wishing to call on the City of Detroit, including cruise ships, ferries, water taxis, tall ships, dinner boats and naval vessels.
The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy was formed as a 501 (c) 3 public-private partnership in early 2003 with the mission of developing public access on the Detroit International Riverfront.
