There’s been a long-running conflict about whether to build a second bridge connecting Detroit and Canada.
Now, the company that owns the Ambassador Bridge says voters should decide the issue.
The Detroit International Bridge Company says the Ambassador Bridge is enough. The DIBC has butted heads with Governor Snyder and state officials, who favor building a new crossing.
Now, the Bridge Company says it wants to put the issue before voters. They want the State Board of Canvassers to authorize language for a petition drive.
It states:
“The People should decide whether state government should construct or finance new international bridges or tunnels for motor vehicles. Consistent with this policy, and to shield the people from unnecessary burdens, the State shall not undertake ownership and the development of or use of State funds or resources for new international bridges or tunnels for motor vehicles unless first determined to be necessary and appropriate by majority vote of the people."
The DIBC notes that the Ambassador Bridge was approved by a 1927 ballot referendum.
If the petition language is approved, backers would need to gather about 325,000 signatures to get the issue on the November ballot.
The DIBC says a committee called "The People Should Decide" will run the petition drive.
