Legislators Tour Bridge Sites

Nearly fifty legislators, media, and government officials toured both the Ambassador Bridge and proposed NITC sites on Monday. The bus tour was arranged by and paid for by Senate Economic Committee Chairman Mike Kowall (R-White Lake), and represented an official meeting of the committee. Staff from the Ambassador Bridge, as well as legislators and officials in support of the NITC, had a chance to address the group collectively.

The NITC proposal is contained in Senate Bills 410 and 411, and would establish a Bridge Authority to collaborate with Canadian officials in its construction and administration. Participating in the tour was Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) representing the Delray community, a neighborhood potentially impacted by the proposal. Tlaib seeks to ensure just compensation for displaced residents and protection of her community’s way of life.

The tour passed by signs of protest in front of a trucking company recently purchased by Ambassador bridge-owner Matty Maroun. While some lawmakers expressed lingering concerns to eliminate fears over potential impact to Michigan taxpayers, the fact-finding aspect of the tour proved successful. Sen. Kowall said he learned of the protracted planning on the Canadian side including extensive land purchases for the landing site.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 19, 2011 11:45 AM
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