A newly awarded presidential permit will allow Michigan to wrap up an agreement with Canada to build a new international bridge. The bridge will connect Detroit and Windsor-Ontario. Michigan, U.S. and Canadian officials cheered the news today.
Canada is the United States' – and Michigan's – largest international trading partner. And the Detroit-Windsor border is the nation's busiest international trade crossing. The just-approved presidential permit allows Michigan to finalize its deal with Canada and begin acquiring property. The project still faces legal challenges filed by the owners of the competing Ambassador Bridge.
The next step is to start acquiring land on the Michigan side of the Detroit River. There are also lawsuits to settle. The owners of the competing Ambassador Bridge are in court trying to stop the project.
But Governor Rick Snyder says he’s not overly concerned about the litigation.
"I view it as unfortunate because it just takes away resources from the state and other activities. So I view it as, we’re going to just keep moving ahead. Our track record is very good on winning lawsuits," said Snyder.
Governor Snyder says the new bridge should be completed by 20-20, and allow more people and goods to move through what is already the nation’s busiest border crossing.
