Michigan ‘fired up’ to build new bridge

The state of Michigan seems more determined than ever to build a second bridge over the Detroit River, and the effort is now being backed by Gov. Rick Snyder.

“I am really fired up. It is time to build the bridge,” said Snyder, who added the construction project was essential to create badly needed jobs and facilitate growing trade between the U.S. and Canada.

June 3, 2011

The state of Michigan seems more determined than ever to build a second bridge over the Detroit River, and the effort is now being backed by Gov. Rick Snyder.

The New International Trade Crossing (NITC) will be publicly owned, which is giving critics of the span some ammunition. Matty Moroun owns the Ambassador Bridge, which is two miles north of the proposed NITC site, and his family has been trying to drive home the point that another crossing could cost the taxpayers $100 million a year. Their argument, however, seems to be falling on deaf ears.

State Sen. Randy Richardville helped create the bill for the NITC, but it may take some time to move through the legislature. The bill would create a separate state authority to privately finance, build and operate the NITC jointly with Canada, which has offered up $550 million to build its own bridge entrances and plaza.