To secure the success of your fish farming (aquaculture) project on the historic Ford site, you must leverage the city’s current 2026 Water Rate Schedule and state-level agricultural incentives.
Below is a drafted Industrial Water Rate & Business Plan Summary designed for submission to the Highland Park Water Department and the Community & Economic Development Department.
Proposal: Highland Park Sustainable Aquaculture Center
Location: Historic Ford Plant District, Highland Park, MI
Project Lead: [Your Corporation Name]
1. Executive Summary
[Your Corporation Name] proposes the development of a state-of-the-art Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) facility. By utilizing modern water filtration technology, we will produce high-quality, locally sourced fish for the Metro Detroit market while revitalizing a portion of the historic Ford property with a “Green Industrial” use that aligns with the city’s Return to Excellence vision.
2. 2026 Water Usage & Rate Request
Based on the city’s FY2026 Fee Schedule, we are requesting the establishment of a Large-Scale Industrial Account.
- Water Rate: Standard $3.72 per unit (1 unit = 748 gallons).
- Efficiency Factor: Unlike the “once-through” Ford lines of the past, our modern RAS facility will recycle 95% of its water. This minimizes the burden on Highland Park’s newly installed 2026 water mains while maintaining high production.
- Meter Requirement: We anticipate the installation of a 4” or 6” Master Meter to support the initial tank filling and periodic exchange, with a Readiness-to-Service charge of approximately $896.00 to $1,792.00 per month.
3. Site-Specific Advantages (The Ford Legacy)
- Infrastructure: Connection to the Phase 2 Water Main Replacements (currently underway in 2026) ensures lead-free, high-pressure water delivery.
- Repurposing: We will utilize existing industrial concrete pads for tank foundations, reducing new construction soil disturbance.
- Energy Independence: In alignment with Highland Park’s DOE Clean Energy Sovereignty grant, our facility plans to integrate rooftop solar to offset 40% of pumping energy costs.
4. Economic Impact & Job Creation
- Local Hiring: Commitment to hiring [Number] Highland Park residents for technical aquaculture roles.
- Tax Base: Transition of a functionally obsolete industrial site into an “Eligible Aquaculture Production Facility” under Michigan P.A. 512, bringing new property tax revenue to the city.
5. Requested Incentives
We are seeking the city’s support in applying for the following:
- Industrial Facilities Exemption (P.A. 198): To provide a tax incentive for the renovation of the aging facility.
- MEDC Community Revitalization Grant: To offset costs associated with the unique challenges of redeveloping the historic Ford site.
- Agricultural Water Rate Status: A request for a “tiered” rate or sewer credit, as a significant portion of the water is evaporated or contained within the product rather than discharged into the sewer system.
Next Steps for Your Project
To make this proposal “live,” you need to schedule a preliminary site plan review with the city.
Would you like me to find the current 2026 contact information for the Highland Park Planning Commission or the Economic Development Director so you can submit this proposal?