House Bill Blocks Funding For New Bridge To Canada

Detroit seen across the Detroit River from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. (credit: istockphoto)

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - The Michigan House has voted to prohibit using state money to build another bridge across the Detroit River.

The House passed the supplemental budget bill Thursday by a vote of 79-31, with the bridge language inserted by Grandville Republican Rep. Dave Agema. He said neither Gov. Rick Snyder nor anybody else can spend money lawmakers haven?t authorized.

Snyder seeks to collaborate with Canada to build a span to supplement the privately owned Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. ?He said Michigan would benefit from the project by way of increased international trade was well as jobs created by the project.

Snyder spokeswoman Sara Wurfel says taxpayers won?t finance it.

The Republican governor has said he hoped the GOP-led House and Senate would back the plan but pursued other options after failing to get legislation through the Senate.

Snyder has said Michigan?s constitution includes Canada as a potential party to an agreement. ?He was expected to make an?announcement?about a plan for the project on Friday. ?It wasn?t clear whether he would still do so following this move by the House.

Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Maroun?has publicly opposed the project in favor of a span that would be in his control, and is expected to challenge it in court.

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