Hearing Tonight On Moroun's Application For 2nd Bridge To Canada
DETROIT (WWJ) Did you think the second bridge to Canada debate was over when the Matty Moroun-sponsored ballot issue went down in flames on Election Day? Not so fast.
As Michigan's Gov. Rick Snyder and Canada work on a plan to build a new public bridge to Canada, it appears Ambassador Bridge owner Moroun is not giving up his fight to build a second span of his own.
The Department of Environmental Quality is holding a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. at Detroit Western International High School on Ambassador Bridge president Dan Stamper's request to renew a permit for a second span right next to the bridge.
The permit is only one of several Maroun would need in his continuing quest to build his own private span to Canada instead of the state building its publicly-funded bridge.
MDEQ spokesman Andrew Hartz said the public is invited to comment on environmental concerns only.
"Potential impacts to wetlands, water, wildlife, fisheries, environmental factors, this does not take into account traffic patterns, truck movement in the city, things like that," Hartz said.
Though Canadian officials have made it very clear they're partnering with Michigan on the public bridge and would not approve a private bridge -- Hartz said Moroun applied to renew the permit before the election and all such applications must be considered.
"As a public agency we have to respond to permit applications made by entities and individuals that request permits. There really isn't a mechanism for the state to not consider a permit application under those environmental regulations," Hartz said.
