The Gordie Howe Bridge Was a Giant Mistake
The state could have just allowed the expansion of the Ambassador Bridge at no cost to taxpayers, but that would’ve been too simple
The bridge is a joint-venture between the state of Michigan and the Canadian government. Canada fronted all the money to build it and will collect all the tolls until it recoups its investment. Only then will Michigan share in the proceeds.
When the deal was first announced back in 2012, the estimated cost was $2 billion. Then it was $4 billion. Then it was $4.8 billion. Then it was $5.7 billion. It was supposed to be completed last year at a cost of $6.4 billion.
It’s still not done, and the smart money puts the final costs north of $7 billion. (This does not include the unspecified millions the U.S. will shell out for customs and border inspections each year.)
And how did Justin Trudeau’s infrastructure minister get his job overseeing construction of the 1.5-mile, six-lane span across the Detroit River? The man—a former bus driver—had no college degree, no construction experience, and spent nearly two years in an Indian prison for suspected ties to terrorism.