Former Gov. Rick Snyder Pushed the Gordie Howe Bridge Through and Now He Wants to Walk Across It Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder reflected on his role in advancing the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a project that faced significant political and private-sector opposition during his tenure. The bridge, set to open soon, represents a major infrastructure milestone for the region, with Snyder emphasizing its importance for economic growth and connectivity. He described the project as a priority from his first day in office, despite resistance from powerful interests, including the Moroun family, who owned the Ambassador Bridge and spent tens of millions of dollars to block its construction. Snyder recounted how the Morouns launched a 2012 ballot initiative to stop the bridge, while also influencing Michigan’s legislature to oppose funding. Despite these challenges, he secured Canada’s financial support for the project, which was signed into an agreement in 2012. Canada provided the majority of the $4.7 billion cost, with repayment expected through tolls. Construction began in 2018, and the bridge now includes six lanes of highway-to-highway traffic, along with pedestrian and bicycle access, as part of a broader effort to modernize the Detroit River crossing. Snyder highlighted the bridge’s potential to foster better relations, create jobs, and boost prosperity for communities on both sides of the border. He also addressed concerns about President Donald Trump’s potential interference, calling the idea of blocking the bridge’s opening a missed opportunity for trade cooperation. “This is a deal President Trump would have been really happy if he would have done when he was back in the real estate business,” Snyder remarked.#canada #detroit_river #rick_snyder #gordie_howe_bridge #moroun_family
