Michigan Republican House lawmakers are trying to keep Governor Snyder from spending any state money to build another bridge across the Detroit River.
The House Appropriations Committee has approved a supplemental budget that would prohibit using any state money unless the Legislature authorizes construction of the bridge.
Snyder has planned a big announcement about the bridge for Friday, but won't confirm any details of the plan.
He did say he’s not impinging on the legislature’s fiscal responsibilities, because no taxpayer money will be spent on the bridge.
"The Canadians are being great partners in putting up the dollars for the Michigan part of this project that would be repaid out of tolls, and so there would be no obligation to Michigan taxpayers,” said Snyder. “How can you do better than that?"
Grandville Republican Representative Dave Agema says his goal in amending the supplemental budget is "to stop spending money" lawmakers didn't authorize.
Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel "Matty" Moroun has fiercely battled the proposal. There’s even a petition drive to amend the state constitution in November that would require voters to approve any new bridge.
