Detroit River Youth Career Expo
Lauren Betenson
A hands-on exploration of water-linked education and career pathways
Launched in 2024, this annual event, co-organized with U-M’s Detroit River Story Lab, showcases water-related educational and career opportunities to students and young adults in the Metro Detroit region. Students hear from experts in a wide variety of environmental and other water-related fields on how to build a successful and rewarding career, whether they are interested in science, policy, cutting edge research, or hands-on maritime fieldwork.
- Date & Time: Friday, April 10, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, 130 E. Atwater (on the Riverwalk)
- Who should attend: Metro-Detroit youth (ages 15–25), plus teachers and families
- Lunch: Lunch is provided for registered youth participants.
What is the Detroit River Youth Career Expo?
The Detroit River Youth Career Expo is an interactive event designed to help young people explore real-world careers and educational pathways connected to the water, the riverfront, and the regional economy. Meet employers and recruiters, learn about training programs, and connect with universities and community partners—all in one place.
Program Highlights
At the Expo, you can:
- Meet recruiters
- Learn about training programs
- Tour docked working vessels and hear from their crews
- Talk with university faculty about cutting-edge research
- Meet local employers and learn about good-paying jobs
Career Sectors Represented
You’ll have opportunities to explore pathways in:
- Maritime
- STEM
- Health & Education
- Culture & Communication
Event Sponsors:
Event Details
- When: Friday, April 10, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Where: Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, 130 E. Atwater, Detroit, MI (on the Riverwalk)
- Who: Metro-Detroit youth (15–25) and their teachers and families
- Lunch: Provided for registered youth participants
Registration
Spots may be limited, register in advance.
Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Supports Governor’s Michigan Maritime Strategy
Press Release
Press Release
Lauren Betenson
February 2, 2026
DETROIT. February 2, 2026 – The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority applauds the release of the Michigan Maritime Strategy report, which recognizes the vital importance of the blue economy to the State of Michigan and sets forth actionable strategies to leverage Michigan’s natural advantages, maritime history and existing assets to expand economic development through tourism, cargo movement and manufacturing.
“The Governor’s strategy mirrors the Port Authority’s initiatives to build on our maritime legacy while at the same time making investments in port infrastructure, clean energy, innovation and workforce development,” said Port Authority Board Chairman Jonathan C. Kinloch. “We support state level investments in shipbuilding and repair infrastructure, port modernization, recreational and commercial boat manufacturing, alternative fuel development and maritime tourism.”
Upcoming Port Authority’s activities include:
1. Clean Ports Grants: $24.9 million in support of the deployment of zero emission port equipment and vehicles, and planning for a green-hydrogen powered port.
2. Maritime Careers: A Career Expo is set for April 10. Employers and universities will share information about careers on ships, in ports, and environmental stewardship.
3. Regional Tourism: Detroit will host over 70 cruise ship visits in 2026, bringing over 15,000 visitors to our region.
4. Decarbonization and Air Quality Improvement Plan: The Port Authority is working to eliminate 33,000 annual tons of carbon emissions from port operations, and develop jobs in clean energy.
About Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority:
The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority is a public entity formed by the City of Detroit and Wayne County in 1978 with a mission to promote maritime trade and economic development. Over eight million tons of cargo passes through the Port of Detroit annually, supporting over 9,000 local direct jobs and over $900 million in economic activity. For more information visit: www.portdetroit.com
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MEDIA CONTACT: Colleen Robar, 313-207-5960, crobar@robarpr.com
Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Port Program – DC Fast Chargers Q&A
Lauren Betenson
Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Port Program
BIDS & PROPOSALS
The Port is not able to provide a detailed scoring matrix; however, proposals will be evaluated holistically. Weight will be given to the following factors:
- Compliance with federal grant requirements, with particular emphasis on Buy America, Build America (BABA) compliance.
- Total cost of the proposed solution.
- Warranty terms, including coverage, duration, and support services.
- Demonstrated experience and proven reliability of the firm and its equipment.
- Other considerations outlined in the RFP, including delivery schedule, training, documentation, quality assurance, and overall alignment with the specified performance requirements.
Yes, a new version of the RFP has been posted. The new RFP due date is 2/18/26
This will need to be negotiated upon final contract. For planning purposes, please plan for a maximum cord length of 25 feet for the following sites:
- 4 Grosse Ile Pkwy, Trenton, MI
- Belle Isle, Detroit, MI
- 5431 W. Jefferson, Detroit, MI
Please plan for a maximum code length of 10 feet for the following site:
- 1301 Springwells Ct., Detroit, MI 48209
The RFP does not prescribe a specific output current (amps) per cable. Instead, the Port has defined a minimum continuous power requirement of 150 kW per port, and chargers must support an equipment battery voltage range of 150 V to 800 V. Because current varies depending on operating voltage, the Port is leaving the precise amperage output to the vendor’s standard engineering design. Vendors should size cable and power module configurations to ensure that each port can deliver a continuous 150 kW across the full 150–800 V range. To assist evaluation, vendors are requested to provide the maximum available output current per cable at relevant voltages (e.g., 150 V, 400 V, and 800 V).
The RFP does not require a single specific architecture. The Port is open to both distributed charging systems (a central power unit feeding remote dispensers) and single, all-in-one units with dual ports, provided the proposed solution meets all minimum performance requirements outlined in the RFP. It is suggested that prices for both option be presented in the RFP response to be negotiated with the final selected candidate.
There will be a pre-determined location with conduits and wire already pulled. The selected candidate will have an opportunity provide input on final design so confirm placement is compatible with their equipment.
Equipment procurement is ongoing so this is not something that we can provide at this time.
Yes, the port will provide this coordination.