Real Estate & Property Law

Good Politics Meets Common Sense in Canada Bridge Expansion

By Alan Ackerman

Governor Snyder's support of a bridge expansion is grounded in good economics and common sense. Michigan can only benefit from this deal, as Canada will front Michigan's share of the construction cost and the new bridge would be an immediate shot in the arm for the State's anemic job market.  I applaud Governor Snyder for making this issue a high priority.

With the Governor's backing, the project will surely move forward. Now owners have a definitive answer on whether takings will occur, ending uncertainty that has lasted at least six years since lawmakers began contemplating the border crossing. In fact, the City of Detroit had plans to build a golf course and upscale subdivision before talk of the bridge. The threat of condemnation has lingered in this area for decades. Now these owners, many of whom I represent, can begin plans to obtain fair compensation from the State and relocate.

The Detroit News  

Snyder said the $550 million Canada has offered to finance the state's share of connecting roads for the bridge is too valuable to pass up, and going ahead will mean Michigan gets additional federal matching funds for other road projects. Canada has offered to front Michigan's share of the bridge's $2.1 billion construction cost and recover the money from Michigan's share of bridge tolls.

The new bridge is "not just a Detroit issue," Snyder said. "Every farmer and manufacturer can tell you why it's important to have world trade."

"Construction of the DRIC will bring up to 10,000 jobs and further establish Detroit as an international trade hub," said Dan Lijana, spokesman for Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. "We can't afford further delays or political posturing on a project so critical to our economic future."

Full post as published by National Eminent Domain Blog on January 20, 2011 (boomark / email).