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Michigan lawmakers continue to mull Canada bridge project

LANSING, Mich. — Republicans who control the Michigan Senate are waiting on some financial information related to a proposed second bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, before deciding how to proceed on the project.

The Senate Transportation Committee heard more testimony but didn't vote Tuesday on a bill that would allow the state to get involved with a public-private partnership to build the proposed bridge. It's tough to tell how soon the legislation might come up for a vote in the Senate.

The Democratic-led House passed legislation last month that would allow the state to join Canada in building a second bridge across the Detroit River. But the proposal faces a much tougher time in the Republican-led Senate. No Republicans supported the bill in the House.

The project is supported by the Detroit Regional Chamber, Chrysler Group LLC and some other businesses who say it would boost international traffic and trade. The project is opposed by the private owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, who want to build a twin span.

Supporters of the proposed Detroit River International Crossing would like a Senate vote sooner rather than later so planning could begin this summer. The bridge itself likely would take several years to build.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop has said the Senate won't vote until the Michigan Department of Transportation provides lawmakers with estimates of revenue from bridge tolls. Lawmakers might get some of that information Wednesday.

State transportation officials have said public disclosure of the revenue information would put the state at a disadvantage when negotiating with private companies for the partnership that would oversee the bridge. But Michigan Department of Transportation spokesman Bill Shreck said Tuesday that the department is working with lawmakers to get them the information they want.

State transportation officials gave the Legislature some traffic-related information earlier this spring.

"I think it's a matter now of sorting everything out," said Sen. Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. "I don't know, when we get the study (Wednesday), if that's going to raise up a whole new set of questions or if that's going to be definitive. It's hard for me to say that until we see the study."

Canada has offered up to $550 million to cover costs on the U.S. side. The Canadian government would get the money back by receiving a larger portion of the tolls.

The offer basically means Michigan wouldn't have to pay anything up front for the bridge.

But some Republicans are nervous about the legislation, saying it would give Canada and the Michigan Department of Transportation too much power without oversight from the state Legislature.

Some lawmakers also worry the state could be on the hook to help bail out the project if its finances crumble.

Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at [email protected].

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