Michigan Agency Rejects Permit For Harsens Island Bridge

CLAY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A Michigan agency has denied a permit request for a bridge to Harsens Island that was proposed by Manuel "Matty" Moroun's Detroit International Bridge Co.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on Monday denied the request for drawbridge across the north channel of the St. Clair River, citing "significant adverse impacts" on natural resources and wetlands, The Detroit Free Press reported.

Moroun spokesman Mickey Blashfield says they haven't seen correspondence on which to comment. There's a 30-day window to appeal.

The DEQ denied a similar proposal from the bridge company in 2007. Moroun owns the Ambassador Bridge.

Currently, Harsens Island in St. Clair County is accessible by boat, ferry or small plane. It's is located at the mouth of the St. Clair River, about 30 miles northeast of Detroit.

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