BALLOT BOX: The people of Michigan deserve a say on the bridge

By Paul Opsommer For years supporters of the New International Trade Crossing between Detroit and Windsor have promoted the benefits a new bridge would bring to Michigan. As Chair of the House Transportation Committee I have followed this matter with great interest. After reviewing all of the facts, I am deeply concerned that citizens in my district and statewide will be stuck sending their tax dollars to Detroit for an unneeded and unlawful project. I believe the people of Michigan deserve a say on this issue, that's why I support Proposal 6. In agreeing to indebt the people of Michigan to a foreign power without legislative approval, Governor Snyder has taken a tremendous gamble on the future fiscal health of our state. There are too many uncertainties, and too much at stake, for taxpayers to be cut out of the decision making process for an infrastructure project of this magnitude. The Legislature has tried to be a productive partner in this process. The fact remains, however, that during formal House committee hearings and following Senate Committee hearings, seven concerns have never been addressed: (1) No investment grade study has been conducted to support claims that tolls will pay for the bridge. (2) No legislative oversight is included in the agreement with Canada. (3) No reference to the Michigan "Open Meetings Act" in the proposed agreement. Federal Courts have ruled this is needed to ensure American access to meetings. (4) No ban or limit to the creation of a community benefits program for Detroit and Windsor. During House discussion Detroit wanted $100 million with no strings attached. (5) The Governor's agreement violates PA 63 sec 384 passed by the legislators and signed by the Governor. It states, "MDOT shall not commit the state to any new contract related to the construction planning or construction of the Detroit River International Crossing or a renamed successor unless the legislature has enacted specific enabling legislation to allow for construction." (6) The agreement has no reference to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Federal courts have ruled that the news and media outlets in New York have no standing when requesting information on New York/Canadian bridge authorities. (7) The Governor's agreement violates PA 236 which was passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor in June of 2012. In reference to concern number one, the House Transportation Committee received some additional information. This past spring executives from the Detroit Windsor Tunnel and the Detroit Windsor Rail Tunnel testified that traffic increases between the two cities will not exceed 1.5 percent in the foreseeable future. This figure is consistent with economic forecasts related to the crossing needs given in both the Michigan House and Senate. In addition, the "public private partnership" industry admits that projects of this scope and magnitude have large cost overruns and typically over estimate potential future revenue by as much as 50 percent. We have two examples of this happening right here in Michigan: our own Mackinac Bridge and the second span built between Port Huron and Sarnia. Finally, Governor Snyder has promised the NITC would bring jobs and enhance industry in our state. But as a Canadian Crossing Authority will control the design and construction of the bridge, and the governor has requested a waiver from federal requirements for the use of only U.S.-produced iron and steel, there is great uncertainty as to whether the project would bring any tangible benefits to Michigan. Proposal 6 does not stop the construction of the bridge, it simply gives us a say. The governor may believe he can ignore the will of the people's elected officials, but he cannot ignore the people when they voice their will directly. That is why I will be voting "YES" on Proposal 6. ---------------- State Rep. Paul Opsommer was elected to a second term in the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2008 representing residents of the 93rd District, Clinton and Gratiot counties. He is the former vice-president for Action Management Corporation, a governmental and corporate training firm; and a former DeWitt mayor and city councilman. Published: Mon, Nov 5, 2012