Detroit Region Aerotropolis
Encyclopedia
The Detroit Region Aerotropolis (also referred to as the Detroit Aerotropolis or Michigan Aerotropolis) is an initiative to create an “aerotropolis
” or airport-city in Southeast Michigan surrounding Detroit Metropolitan Airport
and Willow Run Airport
. Located just 10 miles (16.1 km) apart and situated along Interstate 94
, this dual-airport system is unique in terms of other aerotropolis-oriented developments around the world. The amount of undeveloped land between and surrounding the airports along with excess runway capacity at the airports are among primary drivers behind the initiative. Other factors such as the location of a major border crossing with Canada
to the east, mature road and rail infrastructure, and the area’s major academic institutions have all driven the idea of taking advantage of the airports for the region’s overall economic benefit.
helped make Detroit Metropolitan Airport a major hub for passenger travel. The aerotropolis concept was then advanced under the administration of Wayne County Chief Executive Edward H. McNamara
who played a critical role in the expansion and upgrade of Detroit Metro’s infrastructure and terminals. At the same time, Willow Run Airport, once the primary location for the manufacturing of B-24 bombers during World War II
, grew to be one of the busiest on-demand cargo airports in North America
, serving the needs of the automotive industry.
In 2002 both airports were spun off from Wayne County
control and placed under the current Wayne County Airport Authority
. Following the retirement of Wayne County Executive Edward H. McNamara, the aerotropolis project became a key initiative of the administration of Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano
.
Realizing that a project of such scope required strong input from the local governments near the airports, |Wayne County began to engage the seven municipal governments in close proximity to the airports including two in neighboring Washtenaw County
. Ten government entities along with the Wayne County Airport Authority
signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to explore the Aerotropolis concept in the summer of 2006. CEO Ficano then recruited the support of the nonprofit group Detroit Renaissance whose board is composed of the Detroit region’s leading private CEOs. In 2007 a 35-member public-private Aerotropolis Task Force was formed that included elected government officials, and private sector leaders.
, Taylor
, Ypsilanti
, and Belleville
, and the townships of Huron
, Van Buren and Ypsilanti
. As of May 2009, seven local governments and Washtenaw County has signed an intergovernmental agreement to create a development corporation to advance the project on a regional level. The partnership is also working with State leaders to create incentives to attract air-commerce-oriented businesses to the region.
CEO Jeff Immelt announced plans for a new Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center to be located in Van Buren Township in the heart of the Detroit Region Aerotropolis. Expected to bring up to 1,200 jobs to the region, GE will locate their facility in Visteon Village home to the Visteon Corporation
, ironically in Chapter 11 at the time of the announcement. GE’s plans include leasing current office space as well as construction of a new $100 million research and development facility. This new 100000 square feet (9,290.3 m²) building will be home to GE engineers who will focus on advanced manufacturing for alternative energy as well as aircraft engine and gas turbine technologies. The software center will develop applications to support GE business systems and advanced technology groups. It will also be a training hub for GE IT personnel from around the world.
Appearing before the Detroit Economic Club, Immelt was joined by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm
, Sen. Carl Levin
, and Sen. Debbie Stabenow
. Together they hailed the GE announcement as not only important in the development of a new technology future for the US but also important in Michigan's "comeback", a state hit the hardest by the downfall of the automotive manufacturing sector. As Granholm stated, "For a hundred years, we have been an automotive economy and we clearly need to diversify. This summer is going to be tough. But if we are shrewd and strategic and make key investments, we will emerge leaner, meaner, stronger and greener." Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano sees the arrival of GE as integral in the development of the Detroit Region Aerotropolis, likening it to the impact of Hewlett-Packard
on Silicon Valley
. As Immelt stated, "Companies like GE never travel alone," Immelt said. "We tend to bring suppliers and other people with us. At the end of the day, it could equal another couple of thousand jobs.".
Aerotropolis
An aerotropolis is an urban form whose layout, infrastructure, and economy is centered on an airport, offering its businesses speedy connectivity to suppliers, customers, and enterprise partners worldwide. Many of these businesses are much more dependent on distant suppliers or customers than to...
” or airport-city in Southeast Michigan surrounding Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport , usually called Detroit Metro Airport, Metro Airport locally, or simply DTW, is a major international airport covering in Romulus, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. It is Michigan's busiest airport....
and Willow Run Airport
Willow Run Airport
Willow Run Airport is an airport located in Van Buren Charter Township and in Ypsilanti Township, near Ypsilanti, Michigan, that serves freight, corporate, and general aviation clients...
. Located just 10 miles (16.1 km) apart and situated along Interstate 94
Interstate 94
Interstate 94 is the northernmost east–west Interstate Highway, connecting the Great Lakes and Intermountain regions of the United States. I-94's western terminus is in Billings, Montana at a junction with Interstate 90; its eastern terminus is the U.S...
, this dual-airport system is unique in terms of other aerotropolis-oriented developments around the world. The amount of undeveloped land between and surrounding the airports along with excess runway capacity at the airports are among primary drivers behind the initiative. Other factors such as the location of a major border crossing with Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
to the east, mature road and rail infrastructure, and the area’s major academic institutions have all driven the idea of taking advantage of the airports for the region’s overall economic benefit.
History
The discussion of developing an aerotropolis around Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Willow Run Airport dates back to the 1980s when Northwest AirlinesNorthwest Airlines
Northwest Airlines, Inc. was a major United States airline founded in 1926 and absorbed into Delta Air Lines by a merger approved on October 29, 2008, making Delta the largest airline in the world...
helped make Detroit Metropolitan Airport a major hub for passenger travel. The aerotropolis concept was then advanced under the administration of Wayne County Chief Executive Edward H. McNamara
Edward H. McNamara
Edward H. McNamara served as Wayne County, Michigan County Executive from 1987-2002, and also served as mayor of Livonia, Michigan, from 1970-1986, and as a member of Livonia City Council from 1962 to 1970. He is probably best known for overseeing the $1.6 billion expansion of Detroit Metropolitan...
who played a critical role in the expansion and upgrade of Detroit Metro’s infrastructure and terminals. At the same time, Willow Run Airport, once the primary location for the manufacturing of B-24 bombers during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, grew to be one of the busiest on-demand cargo airports in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, serving the needs of the automotive industry.
In 2002 both airports were spun off from Wayne County
Wayne County, Michigan
-History:Wayne County was one of the first counties formed when the Northwest Territory was organized. It was named for the American general "Mad Anthony" Wayne. It originally encompassed the entire area of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, as well as small sections that are now part of northern...
control and placed under the current Wayne County Airport Authority
Wayne County Airport Authority
Wayne County Airport Authority is a governmental entity that operates airports in Metro Detroit in Michigan. The agency has its headquarters in the L.C. Smith Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Romulus...
. Following the retirement of Wayne County Executive Edward H. McNamara, the aerotropolis project became a key initiative of the administration of Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano
Robert A. Ficano
Robert Anthony Ficano, American politician, is County Executive of Wayne County, Michigan.He received his BA in 1974 from Michigan State University, and his JD in 1977 from University of Detroit. He worked as an attorney, and was assistant city attorney for the city of Westland, Michigan...
.
Realizing that a project of such scope required strong input from the local governments near the airports, |Wayne County began to engage the seven municipal governments in close proximity to the airports including two in neighboring Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Washtenaw County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 344,791. Its county seat is Ann Arbor. The United States Office of Management and Budget defines the county as part of the Detroit–Warren–Flint Combined Statistical Area...
. Ten government entities along with the Wayne County Airport Authority
Wayne County Airport Authority
Wayne County Airport Authority is a governmental entity that operates airports in Metro Detroit in Michigan. The agency has its headquarters in the L.C. Smith Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Romulus...
signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to explore the Aerotropolis concept in the summer of 2006. CEO Ficano then recruited the support of the nonprofit group Detroit Renaissance whose board is composed of the Detroit region’s leading private CEOs. In 2007 a 35-member public-private Aerotropolis Task Force was formed that included elected government officials, and private sector leaders.
Current partnership
The Aerotropolis Task Force along with Detroit Renaissance and Wayne County continue to lead the aerotropolis initiative along with Washtenaw County, the Wayne County Airport Authority, the cities of RomulusRomulus, Michigan
Romulus is a suburban city of Metro Detroit, located in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 23,989 at the 2010 census, an increase from 22,979 in 2000. Romulus is home to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and a General Motors plant that opened in 1976...
, Taylor
Taylor, Michigan
Taylor is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 63,131 at the 2010 census. Taylor was originally known as Taylor Township and residents of the township voted to incorporate as the City of Taylor in May 1968...
, Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Ypsilanti is a city in Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 22,362. The city is bounded to the north by the Charter Township of Superior and on the west, south, and east by the Charter Township of Ypsilanti...
, and Belleville
Belleville, Michigan
Belleville is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,991 at the 2010 census. It is the sister city of Machynlleth, Wales. Belleville is southeast of Ann Arbor and southwest of Detroit.-Geography:...
, and the townships of Huron
Huron Charter Township, Michigan
Huron Charter Township is a charter township of Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 15,879 at the 2010 census.-Geography:...
, Van Buren and Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti Township, Michigan
Ypsilanti Charter Township is a charter township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 49,182...
. As of May 2009, seven local governments and Washtenaw County has signed an intergovernmental agreement to create a development corporation to advance the project on a regional level. The partnership is also working with State leaders to create incentives to attract air-commerce-oriented businesses to the region.
Developments
On June 26, 2009, General ElectricGeneral Electric
General Electric Company , or GE, is an American multinational conglomerate corporation incorporated in Schenectady, New York and headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States...
CEO Jeff Immelt announced plans for a new Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center to be located in Van Buren Township in the heart of the Detroit Region Aerotropolis. Expected to bring up to 1,200 jobs to the region, GE will locate their facility in Visteon Village home to the Visteon Corporation
Visteon
Visteon is one of the world's largest suppliers of automotive parts. The company formed in 1997 and spun off from the Ford Motor Company in 2000. In 2005, Visteon moved to new headquarters in Van Buren Township, Michigan...
, ironically in Chapter 11 at the time of the announcement. GE’s plans include leasing current office space as well as construction of a new $100 million research and development facility. This new 100000 square feet (9,290.3 m²) building will be home to GE engineers who will focus on advanced manufacturing for alternative energy as well as aircraft engine and gas turbine technologies. The software center will develop applications to support GE business systems and advanced technology groups. It will also be a training hub for GE IT personnel from around the world.
Appearing before the Detroit Economic Club, Immelt was joined by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm
Jennifer Granholm
Jennifer Mulhern Granholm is a Canadian-born American politician, educator, and author who served as Attorney General and 47th Governor of the U.S. state of Michigan. A member of the Democratic Party, Granholm became Michigan's first female governor on January 1, 2003, when she succeeded Governor...
, Sen. Carl Levin
Carl Levin
Carl Milton Levin is a Jewish-American United States Senator from Michigan, serving since 1979. He is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services. He is a member of the Democratic Party....
, and Sen. Debbie Stabenow
Debbie Stabenow
Deborah Ann Greer "Debbie" Stabenow is the junior United States Senator from Michigan and a member of the Democratic Party. Before her election to the U.S. Senate, she was a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Michigan's 8th congressional district from 1997 to 2001...
. Together they hailed the GE announcement as not only important in the development of a new technology future for the US but also important in Michigan's "comeback", a state hit the hardest by the downfall of the automotive manufacturing sector. As Granholm stated, "For a hundred years, we have been an automotive economy and we clearly need to diversify. This summer is going to be tough. But if we are shrewd and strategic and make key investments, we will emerge leaner, meaner, stronger and greener." Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano sees the arrival of GE as integral in the development of the Detroit Region Aerotropolis, likening it to the impact of Hewlett-Packard
Hewlett-Packard
Hewlett-Packard Company or HP is an American multinational information technology corporation headquartered in Palo Alto, California, USA that provides products, technologies, softwares, solutions and services to consumers, small- and medium-sized businesses and large enterprises, including...
on Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is a term which refers to the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California in the United States. The region is home to many of the world's largest technology corporations...
. As Immelt stated, "Companies like GE never travel alone," Immelt said. "We tend to bring suppliers and other people with us. At the end of the day, it could equal another couple of thousand jobs.".
See also
- aerotropolisAerotropolisAn aerotropolis is an urban form whose layout, infrastructure, and economy is centered on an airport, offering its businesses speedy connectivity to suppliers, customers, and enterprise partners worldwide. Many of these businesses are much more dependent on distant suppliers or customers than to...
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County AirportDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County AirportDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport , usually called Detroit Metro Airport, Metro Airport locally, or simply DTW, is a major international airport covering in Romulus, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. It is Michigan's busiest airport....
- Willow Run AirportWillow Run AirportWillow Run Airport is an airport located in Van Buren Charter Township and in Ypsilanti Township, near Ypsilanti, Michigan, that serves freight, corporate, and general aviation clients...