Detroit Free Press - New Bridge to Canada Essential for Michigan, U.S. Economy

Op-Ed

By John Dingell

Michigan's economy was hit hard by the economic recession. Our auto industry was moving to bankruptcy, foreclosure rates were through the roof, and Michigan families struggled to make ends meet. Recently we have come a long way -- our unemployment is down, the auto industry is making profits again and sales are entering their second straight year of growth. New industries are starting to look to Michigan as a new home. But much more must be done.

As we are to look to Michigan's future, we must have projects that will result in positive economic impact and create well-paying jobs. This is why I support the New International Trade Crossing (NITC).

For the project to be successful, it must achieve the support of the communities in which it will be sited and treat the affected people of communities fairly. There must be strong safeguards and assurances to promote stability, public health and better quality of life. The new crossing must comply with all environmental laws.

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Infrastructure projects of this magnitude are proven job creators. For every $1 billion in infrastructure investment 47,000 jobs are created. This is not an isolated statistic.

Last week the Center for Automotive Research released a study showing that NITC would create an estimated 12,000 jobs a year for each of the four years of construction, and would create more than 8,000 permanent jobs in Southeast Michigan once the bridge is fully operational.

Jobs here in Michigan are not the only economic advantage that would be created as a result of the new bridge. Canada is our friend and largest trading partner. Trade with Canada supports 237,000 jobs in Michigan and 8 million jobs across the United States.

Ensuring growing and uninterrupted trade with Canada will promote economic success for Michigan and all kinds of economic activity here.

It is because of this mutual benefit that Canada has committed to loaning Michigan up to $550 million to build this bridge today. This loan will support the growing economic security and prosperity of Michigan and Canada and will strengthen our region as a whole.

Despite what has been reported, there will be no cost to Michigan taxpayers. This is a loan to be repaid from tolls and is part of a program long supported by a broad cross section of the community, including all living former Michigan governors, Ford, GM, Chrysler, the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and most of the business community. In addition, labor including the UAW, the Michigan AFL-CIO, the Utility Workers and the Laborers International Union support the project.

If Michigan, deceived by special interests, does not build the bridge here with our friends and partners, this bridge will get built elsewhere. All the benefits, and all the jobs associated with the bridge will go with it. The thriving Michigan/Canadian industrial activity, especially in autos and auto parts, and our hopes will disappear with an aging bridge.

This project is too important to let selfish interests or partisan politics get in the way. I am proud to stand with Governor Snyder as he announces the interlocal agreement with Canada moving this project forward. Michigan's future economic success depends on projects like the new bridge to bring new construction jobs, and long and continuing growth in high-paying manufacturing jobs. For this we must have critical access to cross-border trade, and shared ownership of a new international crossing. Building the new bridge is the right thing to do, and the right thing for Michigan and its working families.

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