One of six dynamic development projects in Detroit has received federal funding from President Donald Trump. Trump approved a $1.4 trillion spending fund on Friday which will allow construction to begin on the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project.
A $15 million grant will be allocated toward inspection and vehicle-screening systems at the U.S. entry port. The port will be built in Southwestern Detroit, spanning 167-acres. In Feb of 2015, Canada conceded to pay for the port, but the U.S didn’t allocate any state or federal contribution at that time.
One person whose been adamant about funding the bridge is U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township. He urged the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide resources that were collected from the spending fund. “Ensuring the safety and security of Michiganders is my top priority, and I was proud to help secure this critical funding to strengthen border security by hiring additional personnel and facilitate safe and efficient trade and travel through Michigan’s busy ports of entry,” said Peters. “These resources will go a long way to help bolster security along Michigan’s northern border and safeguard Michigan communities.”
The bridge will stretch across the Detroit River to Canada making it the longest main span in North America at 853 meters. There will be multiple plazas and new highways built alongside the bridge. It will cost $2.9 billion to build, spanning the next five years. Bridging North America and the Windsor-Detroit Authority agreed on a contract last fall which will cost $1.5 billion in operating costs over 30 years. Bridging North America is a private sector partner aiding in the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. This past summer, Bridging North America built a 28,000 square-foot office space near the building site, dedicated to staff and engineers who’ll be working on the project. Other companies such as Dragados Canada, Fluor, Aecon, and ACS Infrastructure are also a part of the construction process.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is scheduled to open in 2024.
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