Snyder, Moroun Clash Over New Bridge
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A long-simmering divide over a new bridge is pitting Michigan's new governor against a billionaire businessman. Gov. Rick Snyder is pushing for a new, publicly supported bridge between Detroit and the Canadian city of Windsor, the busiest commercial border crossing in North America.
Trucking magnate Manuel "Matty" Moroun, who owns the existing Ambassador Bridge, says the government wants to destroy his company with a plan that will cost taxpayers millions.
Speaking before a Senate Economic Development Committee, Thursday, Moroun's son Matthew Maroun said it would be the year 2035 before the Ambassador Bridge reaches capacity.
He also questioned whether there will be enough toll money to pay for a new bridge.
"There is a large, understated pink elephant in this room that should be driving every element of the decision-making -- namely, the fact that real tolls will not raise sufficient funds to build the project and, therefore, some kind of public subsidy from both countries will be necessary," he said.
The younger Maroun outlined a number of what he called myths about the New International Trade Crossing including Buffalo being in line for the crossing if Michigan doesn't move forward. He said the two states have different trade corridors and serve different markets.
Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley told state Senators, Wednesday, that taxpayers won't be stuck with the tab if the project comes up short.
Pressure for a new bridge has mounted with the growth of international commerce and amid post-Sept. 11 security concerns. Both national governments and many business heavyweights support the plan.
Manuel Moroun has filed lawsuits, and his supporters distributed fake eviction notices in a Detroit neighborhood near where the new bridge would be.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
