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[lordfly]

NOTHING IS FREE EXCEPT WHEN BUSINESSES DO IT OUT OF THE KINDNESS OF THEIR HEARTS

I don't see a bill coming to Michigan for this bridge. Or is this another UN-led bicycle Kenyan Socialist lizardman conspiracy?

[Professor H]

So where is it going to come into Michigan?  I think I read south of where the bridge is now, but what will have to be torn down?  Empty buildings? Warehouses? Homes?

Delray is the area - an aerial picture is in the freep article...
The current bridge company caught wind and purchased some warehouse in the area to attempt to hold up the project.   
I'm sure next we'll be discussing how much they ripped off the Canadians as they hold out...

http://www.freep.com/article/20120615/OPINION05/120615053/U-S-Rep-John-Dingell-New-bridge-to-Canada-essential-for-Michigan-U-S-economy


To cover Smash's view on Costs...   The Canadian Government is picking up the tab...   That's how it's "free"...  of course they collect the revenues from the tolls via a private company to pay for all of this...   Thus the screaming and propaganda from the current monopoly holder. 

[Frenchfry]

You must be related to the current bridge owners - or you are gullible to their propaganda...   What crosses the border has nothing to do with the bridge - that's a separate issue -

Why shouldn't Canada be able to determine a border crossing that isn't bottling up traffic?
In fact they are willing to pay for it - so beyond all the "whoa is me the sky is falling"...  it's a great deal for Michigan.   We can even cross it without paying a toll... 

I interpreted it to mean something different:

The new crossing, to be built roughly two miles downriver from the 83-year-old Ambassador Bridge, will connect the industrial neighborhoods of Delray in Detroit and Brighton Beach. Canada already has begun construction on the Windsor-Essex Parkway, a $1.4 billion highway extension that will allow bridge traffic to bypass 17 stoplights and downtown Windsor.

BUILDING THE BRIDGE
The Snyder administration released the following 15-point summary of the New International Trade Crossing agreement:

• Michigan will not be obligated to pay any of the costs of the NITC and no state appropriation will be required.

• The Crossing Agreement provides that Canada, through a Canadian entity to be created called the Crossing Authority, will be responsible for the design, construction, finance, operation and maintenance of the NITC.

• Signing the agreement on behalf of Michigan are Gov. Snyder, the MDOT director and the president of the Michigan Strategic Fund. Signing on behalf of Canada are Transport Minister Denis Lebel and a representative of the Crossing Authority.

• Actual design, construction, operation and maintenance of the NITC will be done by a private entity through a 40-50 year public-private partnership agreement (P-3 Agreement) between the Crossing Authority and the private entity as concessionaire.

• Canada will make annual “availability payments” to the concessionaire to pay for the costs of financing the design and construction of the NITC and for the on-going operation and maintenance expenses during the terms of the P-3 agreement.

• The government of Canada will also pay all costs of required land acquisition in Canada and in Michigan and will also pay for the construction of the interchange to connect the NITC to I-75.

• No tolls will be charged in Michigan for the use of the NITC. Canada will charge tolls in Canada for use of the bridge.

• Toll revenues received by Canada will be used to reimburse the Canadian government for its advances for NITC-related costs and for its annual availability payments to the concessionaire.

• Canada’s expenditure of up to $550 million will be eligible as matching funds for U.S. federal aid for Michigan highway projects.

• An International Authority will be established with three members appointed by Michigan and three members appointed by Canada.

• The International Authority will oversee the competitive procurement process to select the concessionaire. It must approve the forms of the Request for Qualification (RFQ), the Requests for Proposals (RFP), the winning proposal and the P-3 agreement.

• The International Authority will oversee compliance by the Crossing Authority with the terms of the crossing agreement and compliance by the concessionaire with the terms of the P-3 Agreement, both before and after the opening of the NITC.

• The RFP and the P-3 Agreement must contain provisions for a community benefits plan and for the involvement of the affected communities in both Michigan and Canada.

• Effectiveness of the crossing agreement is subject to approval of the U.S. Secretary of State, in accordance with the provisions of Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution and federal laws implementing those provisions.

• No state or local entity in Michigan will be obligated to make any availability payments or any other payments to the concessionaire or to any third party in connection with the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the NITC.

rest of article at:
http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/06/snyder_by_building_bridge_mich.html#incart_river_default

I'm bothered by the "private entity" part.
And take note of this:
"Canada’s expenditure of up to $550 million will be eligible as matching funds for U.S. federal aid for Michigan highway projects."
I'm not real clear on that but it sounds like US government $
So while you and the other right-wing ideologues are bowing at the feet of the rich Republican geek outsourcer....at least get your facts straight.

Because a private company has no business running international crossings. We need to find a way to buy the Ambassador Bridge for that very same reason.

I agree. Nationalize it.

[Professor H]

I interpreted it to mean something different:I'm bothered by the "private entity" part.
And take note of this:
"Canada’s expenditure of up to $550 million will be eligible as matching funds for U.S. federal aid for Michigan highway projects."
I'm not real clear on that but it sounds like US government $
So while you and the other right-wing ideologues are bowing at the feet of the rich Republican geek outsourcer....at least get your facts straight.I agree. Nationalize it.

I can see the interpretation going either way on tolls, but that's a user fee to support the bridge and maintenance - just like the Mackinac.

Didn't realize Dingell had turned "right wing"...

If Michigan, deceived by special interests, does not build the bridge here with our friends and partners, this bridge will get built elsewhere. All the benefits, and all the jobs associated with the bridge will go with it. The thriving Michigan/Canadian industrial activity, especially in autos and auto parts, and our hopes will disappear with an aging bridge.

This project is too important to let selfish interests or partisan politics get in the way. I am proud to stand with Governor Snyder as he announces the interlocal agreement with Canada moving this project forward. Michigan’s future economic success depends on projects like the new bridge to bring new construction jobs, and long and continuing growth in high-paying manufacturing jobs. For this we must have critical access to cross-border trade, and shared ownership of a new international crossing. Building the new bridge is the right thing to do, and the right thing for Michigan and its working families.

John Dingell, a Democrat from Dearborn, represents Michigan’s 15th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

http://www.freep.com/article/20120615/OPINION05/120615053/U-S-Rep-John-Dingell-New-bridge-to-Canada-essential-for-Michigan-U-S-economy

[Frenchfry]

Didn't realize Dingell had turned "right wing"...

He has his moments...but had the words not been taken out of context...(right-wing ideologues bowing at the feet)...one should be able to discern the difference between someone supporting an idea and those that are so enthralled with Snyder that they'd enthusiastically eat the corn from his stool if given the opportunity.
Details are important.
I too liked the idea of a new bridge....but it should be a joint governmental endeavor between the two countries...not a private thing...and not a one-sided affair.

I sense there's something fishy going on.

[Professor H]

He has his moments...but had the words not been taken out of context...(right-wing ideologues bowing at the feet)...one should be able to discern the difference between someone supporting an idea and those that are so enthralled with Snyder that they'd enthusiastically eat the corn from his stool if given the opportunity.
Details are important.
I too liked the idea of a new bridge....but it should be a joint governmental endeavor between the two countries...not a private thing...and not a one-sided affair.

I sense there's something fishy going on.

The Joint Government bridge would have been a better Idea.

However the legislature in whatever mood they were in, decided they didn't want to spend tax dollars on the bridge when they were cutting other areas...   Thus the only way for it to get done was from the other side, and they wanted it pretty bad - when you look at all they offered.

[marilyn.monroe]

I can see the interpretation going either way on tolls, but that's a user fee to support the bridge and maintenance - just like the Mackinac.

Didn't realize Dingell had turned "right wing"...

If Michigan, deceived by special interests, does not build the bridge here with our friends and partners, this bridge will get built elsewhere. All the benefits, and all the jobs associated with the bridge will go with it. The thriving Michigan/Canadian industrial activity, especially in autos and auto parts, and our hopes will disappear with an aging bridge.

This project is too important to let selfish interests or partisan politics get in the way. I am proud to stand with Governor Snyder as he announces the interlocal agreement with Canada moving this project forward. Michigan’s future economic success depends on projects like the new bridge to bring new construction jobs, and long and continuing growth in high-paying manufacturing jobs. For this we must have critical access to cross-border trade, and shared ownership of a new international crossing. Building the new bridge is the right thing to do, and the right thing for Michigan and its working families.

John Dingell, a Democrat from Dearborn, represents Michigan’s 15th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

http://www.freep.com/article/20120615/OPINION05/120615053/U-S-Rep-John-Dingell-New-bridge-to-Canada-essential-for-Michigan-U-S-economy

You ever hear of them two bridges to the North and the industrial ports of Port Huron and Sarnia?

[jbs49238]

You ever hear of them two bridges to the North and the industrial ports of Port Huron and Sarnia?

U ever try getting over the Blue Water Bridge?  Why force trucks and ships another hour or two north when we have the capacity to build the passage in a better place?

[marilyn.monroe]

U ever try getting over the Blue Water Bridge?  Why force trucks and ships another hour or two north when we have the capacity to build the passage in a better place?

Just saying things wouldn't be as bad as Dingell describes them without a new bridge. If I give in to a new bridge, at least can it be built with American steel?

[Professor H]

You mean another politician exaggerated a point 

I'm pretty sure Steel will come from various areas around due to the proximity and quality controls.   Can't have "cheap" associated with something when it's a government contract now can we 

I can envision a bridge rising over top of Mourons Warehouse without anyone buying them out, as I'm sure that has already been decided between the governments - let them keep their property and pay a toll everytime they want to visit it...

[jbs49238]

Just saying things wouldn't be as bad as Dingell describes them without a new bridge. If I give in to a new bridge, at least can it be built with American steel?

What if they use popsicle sticks?  You know like in HS science class.  Will it be OK if they are American popsicle sticks?  But then what about all those innocent trees killed.....

You just cannot make some people happy.... EVER!

[Collegekid]

Just saying things wouldn't be as bad as Dingell describes them without a new bridge. If I give in to a new bridge, at least can it be built with American steel?

You mean like US and Rouge Steal that are both less than 10 minutes from the bridge site? Yeah They probably won't even let them bid on the job.

It's a Canadian project, we can not, and should not stipulate what materials they use.

[marilyn.monroe]

o.m.g.

[marilyn.monroe]

http://www.freep.com/article/20120618/BUSINESS06/120618022/Ambassador-Bridge-New-International-Trade-Crossing?odyssey=mod|mostview

Bridge deal protects against interference from Moroun

Morry must feel right at home. You think a billion bucks will spare you from corporate-government? Whats yours is theirs! It's the good commie way.

[Professor H]

http://www.freep.com/article/20120618/BUSINESS06/120618022/Ambassador-Bridge-New-International-Trade-Crossing?odyssey=mod|mostview

Bridge deal protects against interference from Moroun

Morry must feel right at home. You think a billion bucks will spare you from corporate-government? Whats yours is theirs! It's the good commie way.

The US has always had the ability to take certain land with compensation for public works and other projects...
Can you say US Highway system
Even in Monroe - the land was taken to build the railroad underpass on N. Dixie.