JOC Staff | Nov 07, 2012 10:50AM EST
Michigan voters on Tuesday rejected a ballot initiative that could have prevented the construction of a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, according to reports.
The defeat of Proposal 6 means Michigan residents won’t have an opportunity to vote on whether to allow the construction of the $2.1 billion International Trade Crossing. Supporters say the bridge will increase connectivity at the busiest U.S.-Canada crossing and end a monopoly enjoyed by the owner of the nearby Ambassador Bridge.
Billionaire Manuel “Matty” Moroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge, spent roughly $33.1 million to block the new bridge, according to The Detroit News. The Canadian government has agreed to front Michigan’s $550 million share for the construction of the ITC, and the money will be recovered through bridge tolls.
In other freight-related ballot news, Maine voters agreed to authorize a general fund bond issue of $51.5 million for projects ranging from highways to port facilities, according to the Associated Press. The move will give the state a shot at tapping $105.6 million in federal and other matching grants.