DRGAC Strategy
The DRGAC is a public-private partnership established in 2002 to oversee visual enhancements for the I-94 corridor between Detroit Metro Airport and Downtown Detroit. It is one of the nine Tourism Action Groups operating under the auspices of the TEDC and is chaired by Frank Fountain of DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Members include leaders from 23 metro Detroit and Michigan organizations, including 17 corporations. To date, the DRGAC has:
- Raised $1.2 million from Detroit Renaissance member organizations. These and other funds are being used to landscape woodlands, medians and eight bridges along I-94 and implement the M-10 Cobo Tunnel beautification and lighting project.
- Secured MDOT commitment for $180 million to improve I-94 through 2005 and $8.5 million for additional beautification along I-94
- Obtained $500,000 from the City of Taylor to create a "Gateway Bridge" at the intersection of I-94 and Telegraph Road.
- Secured commitments from Wayne County and the City of Detroit to provide $250,000 annually to assist MDOT in highway maintenance beginning in 2005.
All of these projects are on schedule to be completed before the end of 2005. The DRGAC also recently launched Project Front Yard, a program to encourage property owners to improve the appearance of lands and facilities that front I-94. Together, these efforts will transform the experience of visitors entering our region via Detroit Metro Airport.
