LANSING – Governor-elect Rick Snyder said Monday after meeting with a top Canadian official on the proposed Detroit River International Crossing that he is “generally supportive of a second span,” but wants to ensure the project does not put state taxpayers at risk.

Snyder met for more than two hours in Lansing with Chuck Strahl, the Canadian minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Canada has been a strong proponent of DRIC, which would involve a new government-led span connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario.

“The meeting was a good opportunity to discuss a number of partnership opportunities related to the region’s economic growth, including transportation. Canada is Michigan’s largest trading partner so we want to have a good relationship and I am coming at these issues with an open mind,” Mr. Snyder said in a statement. “On the topic of a building a second span over the Detroit River, I reiterated to the Canadians that I am generally supportive of a second span, but I also made it clear that I want to make sure the project is financially sound and Michigan taxpayers are not burdened with the construction or maintenance costs of a new bridge.”

The effort to approve legislation authorizing the DRIC died in this legislative term (HB 4961 ). Snyder has been steadfast in not characterizing himself as a supporter or opponent of the project.

“We had a very good meeting, I thought,” Strahl said in a telephone news conference. “Lots of interest and questions on their side, and I think we had some good answers for them.”

Strahl expressed appreciation for the amount of time Snyder devoted to the subject. He also indicated the Canadian offer of paying Michigan’s share of the costs – $550 million – remains on the table.

“Certainly from Michigan’s view, this is a great deal,” he said. “We can’t do better than say this is a cost-free alternative for you.”

Strahl also voiced patience to give Snyder time to get up to speed and develop his position, downplaying the idea of going around Michigan and asking the U.S. government to act.

“There is a new governor in place,” he said. “What we’re hoping for is to convince the new governor and his team that this is part of a package that can bring jobs to Michigan.”

This story was provided by Gongwer News Service. To subscribe, click on Gongwer.Com

a>>