Four former Michigan governors have come out in support of Governor Rick Snyder's plan to build a new bridge from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. The Snyder administration put out a news release yesterday saying Democrat Jennifer Granholm, Republican John Engler, Democrat James Blanchard, and Republican William Milliken all support the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC).
Snyder announced his backing of the new bridge last week during his first State of the State address. The owner of the Ambassador Bridge as well as some Republican lawmakers oppose the plan.
But, in the administration's press release, the former governor's say the bridge is important for the state's economic future:
"This new bridge means not only immediate jobs and long-term economic growth for southeast Michigan, but for the entire state," Governor William G. Milliken said. "Michigan's long-time partnership with Canada is one of our state's most important economic assets, and this crossing builds and strengthens it." "This project secures our economic future and, in the short-term, will employ thousands of people who need work and can stimulate our economy," Governor James J. Blanchard said. "It's manufacturing, it's agriculture, it's food processing, it's high-tech, it's tourism, it's rebuilding the neighborhoods and the community of southwest Detroit, it's Michigan's future, and it's now!" "We need a new international trade crossing," Governor John Engler said. "It will open trade and open markets, which is exactly what Michigan needs right now. We have to access these global markets." "Michigan job providers say they need the crossing, Michigan workers want the jobs it will create, and building the bridge will solidify good relations with our neighbors in Canada," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Universal support for the bridge should make final approval of this project a no-brainer for state lawmakers."
