MACKINAC ISLAND – Nobody is quite ready to claim victory for a new international bridge in Detroit but supporters have expressed confidence that legislation authorizing the bridge will win passage, and legislators once solidly opposed to the project are taking a more open stance on the proposal.

With getting a new bridge, called by Governor Rick Snyder and supporters the New International Trade Crossing and by opponents by its original name the Detroit River International Crossing, the headline policy goal of the administration and most officials at the Detroit Regional Chamber conference here, there is a sense expressed by many people that after years of being stalled a new bridge will be authorized.

The issue over whether or not to build a new publicly owned bridge located two miles south of the current Ambassador Bridge, or to support the owners of the Ambassador Bridge to build a new structure adjoining theirs at their cost, has been fought for years. Along with Mr. Snyder, every living governor in Michigan has endorsed a new public bridge. Most, though certainly not all, business organizations have supported a new public bridge. Most of the top known executives in Michigan have supported a new public bridge.

A new public bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is considered the top infrastructure priority of the Canadian government and in 2010 the Canadian government offered to finance Michigan’s cost of building approaches and roads for a new bridge to the tune of $550 million.

But legislative Republicans have blocked approval for a new public bridge with worries that state funds will be used when private money has been offered to build a second bridge next to the Ambassador Bridge. Authority for a new bridge by the Ambassador owners has not been authorized by either national government.

However, several legislators who have opposed authorization for a new public bridge, who all spoke on background, were uncertain it could be stopped now.

At least one also said he is being open to the arguments and would give them a full and honest examination. That is a new position for him from even six months ago.

In part, that is because there is a new governor who wants the bridge, this legislator said, and the argument of business interests in favor of the new bridge.

But this legislator and others said critical to getting their support will be an assurance that Michigan is not on the hook for any funds for the bridge. Snyder and Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), sponsor of the two Senate bills to authorize the new bridge, have said the state will not be required to contribute anything to the proposal.

Those legislators interviewed, however, were clearly not yet convinced.

During the conference, Snyder has called on business executives to push the effort on the bridge, and one observer characterized the call as Snyder saying, “I got you your tax break, now get that bridge through.”

One legislator, however, said that he had not had much contact from business officials during the meeting.

The question of timing remains. Snyder has called for legislative passage in the next month, but Thursday, House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) said he doubted there would be a vote before July 1.

Snyder and other administration officials, however, have been meeting with legislators while at the Island on the bridge issue.

One legislator said there was “no arm-twisting, yet.” On the issue, another joked, “I’m scheduled for the inquisition this afternoon. Maybe I’ll get the rack.”

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

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