© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Snyder tours Detroit neighborhood, promotes new bridge crossing

Governor Snyder addresses the media after touring the Delray neighborhood in Detroit.
Sarah Cwiek
/
Michigan Radio
Governor Snyder addresses the media after touring the Delray neighborhood in Detroit.

Governor Rick Snyder says a new bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor will benefit Michigan’s economy, but should also benefit the community that hosts it.

Snyder toured Detroit’s Delray neighborhood with community leaders today Tuesday. Delray is the proposed site of the New International Trade Crossing (NITC).

Snyder says the trade crossing would boost international trade and benefit the whole state—but it should also benefit Delray.
He admits there’s still lots to be worked out, but says the tour is part of that larger process.

“There’s so many different dimensions to this. But it’s by having this open dialogue, with people from so many levels of government but remembering we’re talking about real people right here in this community…and how they can be part of that dialogue and discussion, and how we can benefit together.”

Detroit State Representative Rashida Tlaib accompanied Snyder. She says a new bridge crossing is a great opportunity for Delray, but only if the community can be a true part of the planning process.

“We have seen over and over again in the Delray community, and in the broader southwest Detroit community, development that has gone wrong. And actually has basically destroyed a neighborhood. And we’re going to make sure that doesn’t happened with the NITC.”

Tlaib says Snyder’s tour is part of “beginning a dialogue” she hopes will result in a concrete community benefits agreement with the bridge’s future operators.

Despite strong support from Snyder, everything about the NITC remains uncertain. It faces strong opposition from the company that owns the Ambassador Bridge, and some Republicans in the state legislature.

Sarah Cwiek joined Michigan Public in October 2009. As our Detroit reporter, she is helping us expand our coverage of the economy, politics, and culture in and around the city of Detroit.
Related Content