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Land Transfer Deal For New International Border Bridge Approved

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The state has approved Detroit's transfer of 301 city-owned properties to a Michigan land bank authority in exchange for $1.4 million from the Canadian government as part of plans for an international commuter bridge.

The proposal was approved Friday in Lansing by the Local Emergency Financial Assistance Loan Board.

All of the properties are in southwest Detroit and within the footprint of the New International Trade Crossing over the Detroit River between the city and Windsor, Ontario.

Gov. Rick Snyder and Canada have agreed to build the New International Trade Crossing over the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Canada is paying most of the $2 billion project's cost on both sides of the border and plans to recoup the money through tolls.

The U.S. State Department approved the project in spring of 2013, but construction hasn't started yet.

The loan board also approved transactions Friday that will help Detroit settle financial claims as the city goes through its bankruptcy.

The project is opposed by the owner of the existing Ambassador Bridge, Manuel "Matty" Moroun, whose family wants to build its own second span. Records show the Moroun family has spent over $1 million since 2009 in their fight to stop a new government-owned span.

Officials say they hope to open the bridge in 2020. The bridge's Detroit footprint would be on the city's southwest side.

An estimated 2.7 million trucks pass through the Detroit-Windsor crossing, carrying $120-billion worth of goods annually.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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