Michigan Vote Clears Way for New U.S.-Canada Bridge Crossing
Michigan voters Tuesday rejected a ballot initiative that would have required a separate vote on a new bridge crossing between Detroit and Canada, clearing the way for a new bridge to be built.
The measure, which was put on the ballot in September, was defeated by about 60% to 40%, the Detroit News reported.
The existing 83-year-old Ambassador Bridge is owned by Manuel Moroun, who spent more than $30 million lobbying for the ballot measure that would have required a separate vote on a new crossing, the Detroit Free Press reported.
That deal included $550 million in Canadian funds to cover Michigan’s share of the $950 million project. Canada would recoup the costs by charging tolls.
A new crossing is backed by automakers and by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R), as well as both U.S. and Canadian Chambers of Commerce, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
The Ontario Trucking Association, which backs a new bridge, applauded the vote. OTA President David Bradley commended Snyder and the Canadian government for pushing for a new span.
Almost 29,000 trucks crossed the Ambassador Bridge every day in 2010, and more than 25% of U.S.-Canadian surface trade crosses the span, CBC reported.
Chrysler LLC — which builds minivans in Windsor, Ontario, and moves components, cars and trucks across the border — has more than 1,600 customs clearances per day over the span, CBC said.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who is traveling in India and backs a new bridge, praised the vote, CBC reported.
