Gordie Howe International Bridge: A court ruling and more community benefits

On this week’s edition of Talking Michigan Transportation, Jeff talks with Andy Doctoroff, the governor’s point person on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, about a significant Michigan Court of Appeals ruling related to the project. Later, Mark Butler, director of communications for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), talks about last week’s Community Organization Investment (COI) announcement.

First, in a unanimous decision published June 18, the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling in rejecting the Detroit International Bridge Co.’s challenges to the agreement that allows MDOT to work with the Canadian government to build the bridge.

Gov. Whitmer praised the ruling.

"We are very pleased that yet another court, this time the Michigan Court of Appeals, has affirmed the agreement between Canada and Michigan to build this vital bridge,” the governor said in a statement. “This emphatic ruling means progress will continue on a project that is spurring growth and creating good-paying jobs in Detroit, Windsor and across the region.”

Community benefits

Last week, the WDBA announced recipients for July 2020 COI funding. Butler explains why community benefits are an important part of the work to build the bridge and the WDBA’s ongoing commitment to the residents, businesses and community organizations on both sides of the border. He also affirms the commitment to opening the bridge in late 2024.

This year’s COI recipients will receive funding in July 2020. The projects include:

• Sandwich First Baptist Church: Sandwich Underground Railroad Freedom Museum
• Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Windsor Essex Central Council: Helping Hands Friendship Centre
• Friends of the Court: Spreading Our Roots
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex: Big Neighbourhood – Sandwich
• Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA): Binational Detroit River Cleanup
• Les Amis Duff-Bâby: Grand Opening Event - Duff-Bâby Mansion
• West Vernor & Springwells Business Improvement District (BID): The Bid Is Open for Business!
• Bridging Communities, Inc.: Southwest Expanded Seniors Services
• Ste. Anne de Detroit Catholic Church (Food Pantry): Food Pantry Equipment and Replacement Expansion Program