CANADA'S MINISTER OF TRANSPORT MEETS MICHIGAN GOVERNOR-ELECT IN LANSING, MICHIGAN

OTTAWA, Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ - Today the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, met with Michigan Governor-elect Rick Snyder in Lansing to reaffirm the Government of Canada's commitment to build the new Windsor-Detroit border crossing.

"I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet in person with Governor-elect Snyder to discuss the importance of the Detroit River International Crossing," said Minister Strahl. "The meeting was very productive. The Governor-elect understands the complexity of this project and was very interested in learning more about Canada's offer to increase its financial participation so that there would be no cost or financial risk to Michigan taxpayers."

In May 2010, the Government of Canada advised the State of Michigan that Canada was willing to increase its financial participation in the new Windsor-Detroit crossing by $550 million to pay for project components in Michigan, at no cost to Michigan taxpayers. Canada's offer is subject to the Michigan Legislature adopting the necessary authorizing legislation for the implementation of the new bridge.

"A secure and efficient Windsor-Detroit trade corridor is vitally important to the economies of Michigan and Ontario, and indeed to all of Canada and the United States," said Minister Strahl. "The Government of Canada remains fully dedicated to the project and to working jointly with our Michigan, United States and Ontario partners. Together we will get the job done and build a bridge for the future."

Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, accompanied the Minister on his trip to Lansing.

"The Detroit River International Crossing is the only project that has received environmental clearances in both Canada and the United States, and has the support of the mayors, communities, private-sector users and governments on both sides of the border," said Mr. Watson. "Ontario and Michigan need this new bridge to ensure our continued economic prosperity."

The Detroit River International Crossing project will attract new investments to boost the local and national economies, and will result in about 30,000 much-needed jobs for Michigan and Ontario communities. This project will also increase border capacity to manage future trade and travel growth, and will be built with the security of both our countries in mind.

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SOURCE Transport Canada