Gov. Snyder and Minister of Transport Announce Bridge Authorities

July 30th, 2014

By: Stacy Leick | stacyleick@eamonline.org

Winsor, Ontario: Today, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Canada’s Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt announced the formation of two bridge authorities for the New International Trade Crossing (NITC): Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) and International Authority. The announcement of these authorities are a natural progression in the building of the NITC, slated for completion in 2020.

The WDBA appointees (all from Canada) are: Michael Cautillo (CEO), Mark McQueen (Chair), William Grahman (Director) and Caroline Mulroney Lapham (Director). The WDBA is a nonprofit Crown Corporation and will oversee business activities and operation of the bridge.

The International Authority is comprised of six appointees, three from Michigan and three from Canada. From Canada: Kristine Burr, Genevieve Gagnon, and TBD appointee. From Michigan: Michael D. Hayes, Birgit Klohs and Matt Rizik. The International Authority will oversee and approve steps in the procurement process and monitor compliance within the bridge agreement.

“We are very excited that the bridge authority, as well as the executive director, have been named. The authorities will serve as the launchpad for the bridge construction and provide guidance and oversight of the project. We hope these entities maximize the positive impacts of the project in the Southwest Detroit and Windsor communities, and use the NITC project as a means to provide job training opportunities, plus utilize local workers and businesses whenever possible,” Bret Jackson, president of The Economic Alliance for Michigan (EAM).

The EAM is Michigan’s statewide business-labor coalition, representing Auto’s Big Three, unions, and other organizations. The EAM has been and currently is pushing for the building of the NITC between Michigan and Canada (the #1 importer of United States goods). In July 2014, EAM received national attention with the release of a collaboration letter to the Obama Administration from several corporations and organizations in Michigan asking for federal assistance in building the United States NITC customs plaza in Detroit. Please refer to EAM’s blog for details on the letter and press release: http://www.eamonlineblog.org.

For an expert opinion regarding the announcement, how the NITC will positively affect Michigan and/or the history and legislation behind it, please contact Bret Jackson at bretjackson@eamonline.org.

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