Officials from nine governmental entities signed Aerotropolis inter-local agreement

Today, officials from Wayne and Washtenaw Counties, the Cities of Belleville, Romulus, Taylor and Ypsilanti, and the Townships of Huron, Van Buren, and Ypsilanti signed an inter-local agreement to create the Aerotropolis Development Corporation under Act 7, the Urban Cooperation Act of 1967.

The Detroit Region Aerotropolis is to leverage the region's world-class airport system and manufacturing-based assets to create a pre-planned airport city that will drive economic transformation throughout all parts of Southeast Michigan. The Aerotropolis Development Corporation will provide the conduit to brand and market the Aerotropolis as a unified region and create a one stop shop for entitlements, incentives, and regulatory assistance. The Corporation is anticipated to launch in the third quarter of 2009 once the agreement has been signed by the Governor.

"We have reached a key milestone in the Aerotropolis Initiative," said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano. "This is an example of true regional cooperation. We proved today that we can work together as leaders and make something happen for this region."

These communities have passed resolutions to join the Aerotropolis Development Corporation, which is an unparalleled collaboration in this state; it positions the Detroit Region Aerotropolis to compete with other Aerotropolis developments around the globe.

"Each day, the economies of Washtenaw County and Wayne County become more and more integrated. The I-94 corridor has become the spine linking our counties together, and in the middle of this corridor sits Detroit Metropolitan and Willow Run airports, both with unique qualities that are ideal for attracting business," said Roland Sizemore, Chair, Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. "The Aerotropolis Development Corporation is the avenue to pursue our common vision and to enhance and protect the quality of life of residents of our communities."

"Detroit Renaissance has been a strong supporter of the Aerotropolis through our Road to Renaissance initiative," said Doug Rothwell, President, Detroit Renaissance. "The Aerotropolis builds off our region's long history as a global hub for trade, and our world class airport system, one of the region's greatest assets. The formation of the Aerotropolis Development Corporation provides a platform for success by institutionalizing collaboration, and it provides for ongoing input by the private sector."