Governor Rick Snyder has signed an agreement to build a new international crossing to Canada. The crossing, which has been the center of much controversy and debate, will go from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. The Governor met with Canada's Prime Minister to sign-off the bridge plan this afternoon. The plan will cost around 2.1 billion dollars, but according to the Governor Snyder it wont cost Michigan taxpayers a dime. This project will effect international trade and will help businesses right here in Northern Michigan.
"We think this shows a tremendous amount of creativity and courage by the Governor to get this done sooner rather than later," President of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, Doug Luciani said.
Governor Rick Snyder signed the plan that will build another bridge that connects the two countries.
He says this project will create around 10 thousand jobs for michigan. The Traverse City Chamber of Commerce says this is just what Michigan needs.
"We need those jobs, I mean ten thousand jobs over the course of the five years just building the bridge and then thousands of jobs after the bridge is built is really the right prescription for Michigan," Luciani explained.
Canada will cover Michigan's portion of the funding, which is $550 million.
The state can use the money to qualify for U.S. matching funds for highway projects elsewhere in the state.
"We weren't in a position to do this, and because of the thoughtfulness and generosity of our partners, they're reaching out to help us. So this is a project that won't cost michigan taxpayers any money, but is an opportunity for michigan taxpayers to win and for all of us to win," Governor Rick Snyder proclaimed.
There has been an public campaign against this project by Matty Moroun, owner of the Ambassador bridge. The bridge that already takes travelers from the U.S. to Canada. 7&4 News was unable to reach Moroun's campaign for a comment on today's agreement. Tolls will be charged only in canada to reimburse
