Political Leaders Sail Between Counties

DETROIT (WWJ)  - A celebration of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River Monday, as political and community leaders took a boat tour.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing along with county executives Robert Ficano and Mark Hackel took a boat from St. Clair Shores to the new Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority.

WWJ's Beth Fisher spoke with Hackel who says he loves the Detroit Riverwalk and would like to redevelop the 31 miles of shoreline in Macomb County.

"(The Mayor) ... understands the economic opportunities, not just for the city of Detroit but what they might be able to do for us in Macomb County," said Hackel. "I'm excited about this it's absolutely gorgeous."

The trio look to promote regional cooperation and this boat tour was an opportunity to talk about ways to make that happen.

"We want to try to redevelop and give people access ... enhance what we already have but develop those things we already do have, such as a navy pier here in Macomb County, maybe a boardwalk if you will ... that kind of goes into the New Baltimore, St. Clair Shores area," said Hackel.

Hackel envisions a convention center, an aquatic center, an interleague ball park in the area.