Bridge Co. To Follow Court's Orders In Gateway Dispute
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Following nearly two years of disputes, the company that controls the Ambassador Bridge says it will comply with a judge's order to complete construction of a major project intended to get big trucks off neighborhood streets.
Matt Moroun acknowledged Wednesday that the about-face is intended to keep his 84-year-old father, Manuel "Matty" Moroun and colleague Dan Stamper, from returning to jail.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, the younger Moroun said the Detroit International Bridge Co. will comply with the judge's ordered construction plan and consider appeals down the road. "Whether we agree with those orders or not, we are going to follow them," he said.
Matty Moroun and Stamper were jailed for a night in January after Wayne County Circuit Judge Prentis Edwards found the company in contempt of court for failing to finish the so-called "Gateway Project. "
It was also announced on Wednesday that a special committee will be appointed to take control of the project, taking over all decision making, and the two Marouns and Stamper will no longer be process concerning it.
Matthew Moroun said some of the de-constriction that was ordered by the judge has already begun. He said the bridge company will explain its new position to the judge Thursday.
An appeals court earlier this week ruled that Judge Edwards must detail exactly what work needed to be done.
Stamper and others at the bridge company had previously blamed M-DOT for the delays. (More on this here).
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