Project: Port Authority Development



Since July 2010 an independent committee of 12 business, private sector and public officials, and the Cheboygan Economic Development Group have been working to establish a port authority for the deep water harbor of the Cheboygan River. The scope of the project basically includes the waterway from the mouth of the river to the State Street Bridge. This coincides with the north section of the defined Riverfront Plan as established by the City Planning Commission.

Mission Statement: “Establish a Port Authority and partner with private and public entities to strengthen our local economy by developing and utilizing a domestic and international deep water seaport. It will provide industrial and commercial business with a quality transportation source.”

With guidance from the Michigan Port Collaborative, a five step process is underway.

  1. Identify Stakeholders–All of the stakeholders along the identified project area have been identified. Some sit on the committee.
  2. Establish Mission Statement–(see above)
  3. Inventory of Assets and Property–Establish a listing all of the property and owners along with an aerial map showing the same.
  4. Establish a Plan and Timeline–An artist’s rendition of the Port Development shows the potential hub of Port Authority activity.

The following possible uses of the hub area and expansion include:

  1. Dry dock services with vault only type or vault with railway
  2. Commodity transfer–ship to shore/shore to ship
  3. Slip rental
  4. Homeland Security patrol vessel rental
  5. Container storage
  6. Priority truck link to industrial park
  7. Passenger off -loading and visitor services facility
  8. Engage a professional consultant through grant funding.

A model of what the Port Authority might look like and how it would function is under construction. The group plans to present a review of their activities at the Cheboygan City Council on March 22nd.

Project Champion – Mark Lorenz

Mark Lorenz is a retired executive from Delphi Corporation. He was Vice President in charge of Operations from 1999-2006, before a promotion to Vice President for Global Transformation to get Delphi out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy from ‘06 until retirement in 2009. Mark and wife Bonnie live on the Straits of Mackinac where they built a home in 2002.Lorenz is a member of the CEDG and co-owner of the Cheboygan Brewery Company.