AASHTO Journal, 19 April 2013
Michigan’s New International Trade Crossing hit another milestone last week after obtaining a federal permit needed to move the project forward. The bridge is expected to enhance the $70 billion-per-year trade relationship between Canada and the State of Michigan.
“This is all about jobs for today and tomorrow,” Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement. “This is a major construction project that is expected to create 12,000 direct jobs and as many as 31,000 indirect jobs. Getting Michigan-made products to more markets faster will enhance our economic competitiveness in the future and help our state create more jobs. This project is important for the future of Michigan, the United States, and Canada.”
Michigan first applied for the Presidential Permit last June after Snyder signed the NITC agreement with Canadian officials (see related AASHTO Journal story here). However, the agreement depended on obtaining this permit.
Construction cost for the bridge is estimated at $950 million, which will be fully covered through a private entity and will be repaid by Canada through tolling. The agreement also includes allowing Michigan Department of Transportation to use a $550 million contribution from Canada as eligible matching funds for U.S. federal aid to support highway projects throughout the state.
“The New International Trade Crossing will be much more than just a bridge connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario—as those who have worked so hard to move this project forward know, it will be an economic engine for the entire region,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a statement. “I want to particularly congratulate Gov. Snyder for his tireless leadership on this critical project, which will create thousands of jobs, relieve crippling congestion that slows the flow of travelers and goods between our countries, and make our North American auto manufacturing industry more competitive.”
More information on the new trade crossing is available at Michigan.gov/BuildThisBridge.