Bridge Exec Blames MDOT For Stalled Gateway Project
DETROIT (WWJ) - After spending a night in jail, the President of the Ambassador Bridge Company is speaking out on what he says is misinformation about the Gateway Project.
Dan Stamper says it's the fault of the Michigan Department of Transportation that a main ramp that would steer bridge traffic to area freeways hasn't been completed.
Talking to reporters on Wednesday, Stamper said two main issues that remain -- both of which he says are MDOT's problems.
"One of them is a ramp that ends in mid-air that is MDOT's responsibility, MDOT's ramp, that we've offered to construct at our expense, at no risk to the taxpayers, and do it per the MDOT design. MDOT has refused," said Stamper.
"There's work to do on Fort Street that I can't do without a permit. MDOT has refused to issue the permit," he said.
Meanwhile MDOT says they have yet to complete the ramp because the Bridge company has not released the property as promised per contract.
Stamper and bridge owner Manuel "Matty" Moroun spent a night in jail last week after a judge said the company had not complied with his order to complete the project.
The Bridge Company and MDOT are expected back in court on this issue next month.
