House Bill Blocks Funding For New Bridge To Canada
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Just one day ahead of an expected announcement by the governor about a plan for the project, 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.
There were reports circulating Thursday that the governor would sign an agreement with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Friday.
It wasn't clear if or how this latest legislative move might affect that plan.
While the Governor's Office would only say there is an announcement "of significant economic importance to Michigan and Canada" scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) afternoon," The Detroit News was reporting that there is a deal is in place for a second international trade crossing and will be signed on Friday.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.
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