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U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-12th District) and several local and state leaders received a special escort around Trenton on Thursday visiting several sites.

The initial plan was to show Stabenow around town, but Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack and other city officials were thrilled when word came that Dingell expressed an interest to come along as well.

A mini bus that also included State Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Twp.) and Wayne County Commissioner Joseph Palamara (D-Grosse Ile Twp.), was filled to capacity as they drove by the former McLouth Steel property, DTE Energy, the bike trail by the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and other significant areas in Trenton.

According to Stack, she simply wanted to show off a few locations where the city faces some challenges and could use some state or federal assistance.

Stack took a few moments to bring Stabenow up to speed on the current situation with McLouth Steel and the recent deal Crown Enterprises made to acquire the property.

She said the city is “waiting for the day” the buildings on the contaminated property can be torn down and although the wheels are in motion, issues still are not worked out with the Environmental Protection Agency and Wayne County.

The mayor explained how the property, now owned by billionaire trucking mogul Manuel “Matty” Moroun, has been a vacant eyesore in Trenton for years.

Riding by DTE Energy, city officials noted that it will be closing by 2023.

Stack explained that the city is trying to work with DTE to have some form of repurposing plan in place by the time the closure comes around.

Stack is excited about the bike trail that will span about 75 miles when completed.

While the area of the refuge center is not yet completed, Stack said she wanted to show off the area and discuss the direction of the bike path and needing grants to get it completed.

Having the opportunity to spend some time in the city with the senator was an all around pleasant surprise.

“I mentioned to an aide that we haven’t seen her here in awhile,” Stack said. “All of the sudden, she called. I just want her to be more familiar with Trenton.”

Although she had a tight schedule, the senator said she appreciated being a part of the tour and hearing some of the future plans.

“I want to thank Mayor Stack, Administrator Wagner and city councilmembers for showing me some of the important priority projects for the community,” Stabenow said.

Dingell offered a statement after the tour, noting how informative it was and her plan to keep a pulse on issues in the city.

“It was important to have Sen. Stabenow join us in touring critical priority projects for the Trenton community,” Dingell said. “This includes cleaning up the McLouth steel site, ensuring it is safe, and working together to develop the site to strengthen the community with both jobs and economic development. We also visited the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge and had a serious discussion on finding solutions on train crossings.

“Trenton is a community built on hard work and determination, and I remain committed to working closely with Mayor Kyle Stack, my colleagues at the federal, state and local levels, and all stakeholders to address these important issues for the community.”