Detroit Port Authority Creates New Port Foundation Organization

DETROIT, April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA) has recently created the Detroit Wayne County Port Foundation (DWCPF), an affiliate non-profit organization.  Its mission is to receive and administer funds to assist the DWCPA in performing its public welfare functions including education, community outreach, maritime preservation and environmental stewardship.

The Maritime Scholarship Program (MSP) is the Foundations inaugural program.  The purpose of the program is to provide a college or vocational education through grants to high school graduates seeking education as a merchant seaman working in the maritime industry on the Great Lakes and World-wide.  Vocational training scholarships will be awarded to individuals attending the Unlicensed Apprenticeship Program and related training at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland.

"This new foundation will bring the Port Authority closer to the citizens of Metropolitan Detroit while enhancing its mission to develop and promote the greater Detroit area," said Cheryl Graham Solomon, President & CEO of the Detroit Wayne County Port Foundation. Also Solomon is DWCPA's Director of Marketing & Public Affairs. 

The DWCPF is governed by a three-member Board of Directors.  It has applied for the 501 c3 tax exemption status which is pending.  For more information about the foundation and/or the Maritime Scholarship Program, contact Cheryl Graham Solomon at (313) 259-5091 ext. 203.

About the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority
The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority oversees and promotes commercial and recreation activities along 32 miles of the Detroit River from Lake St. Clair to the Wayne/Monroe County border.  It was created in 1978 by the Michigan State Legislature to plan, develop and promote the greater Detroit area as a freight transportation and distribution hub for the Great Lakes.  It is governed by a five-member board of directors with one member appointed by the State of Michigan, two by Wayne County and two by the City of Detroit. Funding for the Port Authority is provided by the State of Michigan, Wayne County and the City of Detroit.

SOURCE Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority