Port Lansing Aerotropolis to Move Forward with Next Michigan Development Corporation Designation

Use of state and local incentives in efforts to be freight logistics leader in the Midwest

LANSING – Work to establish Port Lansing into a cargo and logistics focused Aerotropolis moved forward today with the Michigan Strategic Fund designating the city of Lansing, DeWitt Charter Township and the Capital Regional Airport Authority as the state’s second Next Michigan Development Corporation (NMDC). 

As a Next Michigan Development Corporation, Port Lansing will be able to utilize state and local incentives, including Renaissance Zones and TIFAs, to attract new tenants and build a comprehensive industrial park and become a freight logistics leader in the Midwest. 

“This designation will accelerate efforts already underway to transform Port Lansing into a center of economic development activity and a hub for commerce and freight logistics in the region,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “As we work to showcase Michigan innovation at work, this project serves as a terrific example of collaboration and business-friendly practices put to work.” 

The primary focus of Port Lansing will be property owned by the Capital Region Airport. While the property is located in DeWitt Township, the township and the city of Lansing entered into an agreement under PA 425 of 1984. This allows the city of Lansing to operate as the Eligible Urban Entity within the NMDC designation and leverage city resources on behalf of Port Lansing, even though the property is not within the Lansing city limits. 

Under the NMDC legislation, businesses attracted as part of the NMDC designation must utilize a minimum of two out of four transportation modes (freight, air, rail or water). Port Lansing will concentrate on businesses that utilize freight and air for cargo and logistic purposes. The statute allows for only five such designations statewide and only two designations per calendar year. 

In February, the MSF awarded the first NMDC designation to the Detroit Region Aerotropolis Development Corporation, with Detroit Metropolitan and Willow Run Airports as the central development hubs. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.