New bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor gets presidential permit approval
The U.S. State Department has approved a presidential permit for the construction of a new international bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor.
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, welcomed the news on Friday, saying it brings Michigan one substantial step closer to making what once was a dream into a reality.
A sketch of the proposed New International Trade Crossing prepared by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
"I thank the Department of State for ensuring that the permit application and comments from the public, stakeholders, and government were fully and carefully considered, and for their issuance today of this important permit."
Dingell said the new bridge linking Michigan and Canada, expected to be complete in seven years, will be an enormous help to Michigan and the industries that call it home, including the auto industry.
"It will allow for more efficient international transfer of our goods and services, and is sure to increase exports from our home state," he said. "More importantly, this project will create 10,000 construction jobs in Michigan, and will encourage the creation of permanent jobs that new business will bring."
Dingell now is urging the U.S. Coast Guard to swiftly consider the state's pending permit to allow the project to move forward.
Roy Norton, Canada's consul general in Detroit, spoke about the financial and economic implications of the project during an Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber luncheon in August.
Gov. Rick Snyder maintains the bridge will be built at no cost to Michigan taxpayers.
According to the New International Trade Crossing website, with the presidential permit in hand, next steps include naming members to an international authority, planning for the relocation of utilities, initiating the process for land acquisition and securing the U.S. Coast Guard permit.
The entire project will take about seven years and includes the building of interchange ramps and an inspection plaza. Construction of the actual bridge span is expected to begin in about two years.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
outdoor6709
Sun, Apr 14, 2013 : 11:53 a.m.
There seems be overwhelming belief that the government is telling the truth, so lets ask some basic questions: Is the economy getting better? Is the unemployement really 7.3% ? Does a debt of $16.8 trillion not matter? The debt will be reduced by the Senates budget by $1.2 trillion? Is the new bridge really free ??
snapshot
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 9:47 p.m.
Let's hear rousing "hurrah" for Governor Snyder! He's turning out to be the savior of Michigan commerce. He may well be the best governor Michigan could have asked for in these troubled times. He's perserveered even when oppossed at every turn. I'm hoping he runs for President. He'll have my vote.
Roger Kuhlman
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.
This new Detroit to Windsor bridge is a huge waste of federal taxpayer money in a time of grave federal fiscal troubles. When are we going to learn that is not a good idea to put the large cost of project like this one benefiting only a few special interests on the credit card. Has anyone noticed that the US government has wrung up existing federal debt of $17 trillion and there is probably over $100 trillion in unfunded liabilities for programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, US government pensions, and Obamacare. We are gambling with the fate of the US dollar and the US economy and the odds are not good. We have to stop this fiscal idiocy very soon.
AAmac
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 11:50 a.m.
Outdoor6709 is more worried about "being lied to" than he or she is gratified that the bridge will finally move forward. Is that person's glass always half empty?
outdoor6709
Sun, Apr 14, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
What I am worried about as a Mi & US taxpayer is that the lies will cost taxpayers money. If you look at the #'s the gov study put out, bridge traffic is not expected to return to level until 2035. However those projections are based on a model of static auto industry trade. In 2004 Ford was sending 1.6 million engines a year to the US by truck, today that amount is 500,000. GM & Chrystler have also reduced their across border traffic. So now there are two bridges to support less traffic. The revenue projections to justify the new bridge are not even close to being correct. The Canadian gov told its taxpayers they would not be on the hook for any shortages, so where do you think the $1.2 billion for the bridge will come from?
Z-man
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 4:40 p.m.
Perhaps he learned something by observing the implementation of ObamaCare!
trespass
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 10:30 a.m.
Ryan- you said nothing about any legal challenges that might delay the project. Are there legal challenges going on? What is their status?
Kent Jocque
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 9:19 p.m.
09 April 2013 "Matty Moroun's company sues U.S. leaders, Canada to stop competing span" Here's a link to the full story http://tinyurl.com/czc8kva -Kent
outdoor6709
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 9:51 p.m.
So it will only take 7 years before we find out the government lied to us. Term limits means no one in office at that time will be held responsible. Great plan.
Roger Kuhlman
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 9:31 p.m.
Huge amounts of federal taxpayer money will be spent on this project. The bridge is not being built for free.
Joslyn at the U
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 11:37 a.m.
You're assuming the goverment will still be here lol
metrichead
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 4:29 a.m.
You're assuming the government always lies?
Sparty
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 4:41 p.m.
Finally, the era of the Moroun Ambassador Bridge MONOPOLY appears to be at an end, along with his corruption of the much of the State Republican Party. Kudo's to Governor Snyder (note that I am generally not a fan of his!) and those Republican and Democratic Members who withheld the assault and pushed through the lies to see this to fruition.
Roger Kuhlman
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 9:29 p.m.
Yes rich special interests have gotten their way and an unneeded, wasteful bridge will be built to satisfy them. Go ahead and waste boatloads of taxpayer monies. It is free, isn't it?
My2bits
Sat, Apr 13, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
Some rich guy tried to buy politicians to get what he wanted. Its been going on forever, but at least this time it didn't work. Remember to vote against the politicians that he bought come next election.
ManA2
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 4:32 p.m.
Incredibly good news! Congratulations to everybody involved. A very big win for our state.
Kai Petainen
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
*applause*
AMOC
Fri, Apr 12, 2013 : 4:18 p.m.
Step by step, we get closer to a more modern, more efficient border crossing. Can't be soon enough to suit me.