In late July, Gov. Rick Snyder and Canadian officials vowed to move ahead with plans to build the New International Trade Crossing Bridge by appointing the International Bridge Authority in Windsor.
Detroit Free Press Business Writer John Gallagher has been looking at the progress and the obstacles for the new bridge to Windsor.
He reported that with a new CEO on board and plans to hire staffers moving ahead, the bridge project seemed sure to get built. But there are still unknowns that can delay the completion date targeted around 2020.
One of the main obstacles is the legal challenge raised by the Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge.
“The Morouns have failed to stop it so far, but they’re still pursuing litigation in both Canada and the United States,” Gallagher said.
Also, according to Gallagher, the U.S. government has yet to commit to spending around $250 million to build its new customs plaza on the Detroit end of the bridge.
“Canada is fronting all the money expect for the U.S. custom plaza. If the government does not agree to pony up and pay for that ... it makes Canada perhaps less willing to make concessions to Michigan on issues that are important, like naming the bridge,” says Gallagher.
*Listen to our conversation with John Gallagher above.
