IPPSR hosted a policy forum in April that focused on what is sure to be one of the largest economic-related infrastructure projects in Michigan for the next 4 years: The Gordie Howe International Bridge. A panel of experts across various fields got together to discuss the timeline, economic outlook, construction and logistics of the upcoming trade highway. Panelists included Andrew S. Doctoroff, Special Projects Advisor for the Office of Governor Rick Snyder; Bill Anderson, Research Chair in Cross-Border Transportation Policy; Zeenat Kotval-Karamchandani, Assistant Professor of Urban & Regional Planning at Michigan State University, and; Roger Hamlin: Professor of Urban Planning and Public Administration at Michigan State University. Each panelist approached different aspects of the project, however, there is one point all were sure of: The bridge will be built.
The forum started off with a presentation by Andrew Doctoroff who noted the creation of the Gordie-Howe Bridge as the biggest project of its kind in North America. This tone of excitement set the pace for the rest of Mr. Doctoroff’s remarks as he referred to the new bridge as not simply an infrastructure project, but rather a grand symbol and landmark entry to the United States. He reminded the audience that the project is being completely funded by Canada and acknowledged that Michigan and Ontario crossings together represent the second busiest land trade border in North America. With this information in mind, Doctoroff noted that the new bridge capacity will further energize the economy of both countries, and benefit their local communities as well.
Dr. Bill Anderson provided a viewpoint from the Windsor side of the project. He explained that Windsor is an industrial city pinned as the automotive capital of Canada. Anderson explained that opponents of the bridge have described it as a “Windsor Bypass” because it will not steer people to the city, but through it instead. The bridge will benefit the Windsor region overall by decreasing cross-border traffic pollution in residential areas, and increasing trade as well as shopping and tourism. Dr. Anderson further claimed the largest benefit of the bridge to Windsor as the potential to improve the cities geography by allowing for a more accessible city that could expand alongside the newly constructed highway. Dr. Anderson said this is the first highway to highway border between the US and Canada.
Dr. Zeenat Kotval-Karamchandani turned the focus away from the economy at large and honed in on the impact of the new bridge on local Detroit communities. She detailed the high level of segregation that various Detroit communities face, and pointed to recent development and revitalization efforts within very specific areas, while other communities remain neglected. “Without alleviating the issues of the underrepresented population, the city only aims to flourish in small pockets,” she claimed. Turning the to the Delray community, the actual construction site of the new bridge and highway, Dr. Kotval described the area as “economically struggling.” While the construction will displace many people and businesses that are already disadvantaged, she called for revitalization of the Delray community and help for residents needing to relocate.
Closing the forum presentations, Roger Hamlin focused on neighborhood outcomes, regional economic impact, and a proposed high-tech logistics center. Dr. Hamlin noted an MSU study on the effect the project will have on area neighborhoods. The study found that local communities are not opposed to the bridge, but concerned about air pollution, truck traffic on residential streets, and tolls causing idling car fumes nearby. Related to these concerns is a proposal to relocate people who live close to the toll plaza, and to implement better noise buffers and traffic controls. .Dr. Hamlin labeled the project a “win-win” for neighboring communities because of better transit to the area, more traffic for businesses, and increased employment provided by bridge construction. He said surrounding infrastructure such as roads need improvement and are just as important as the new highway if the project is to succeed in transporting more trade. Dr. Hamlin emphasized the need for a high tech logistics center at the new crossing and built as a public-private partnership (P3) with an appropriate risk/reward ratio for stakeholders.
The Gordie-Howe Bridge is destined to be something more than a means to traverse the Detroit River. It is slated to be an economic powerhouse affecting the entire Great Lakes region, including local communities on both the U.S. and Canada side. In order to grasp the full impact of the oncoming project many different perspectives must be examined, and that is precisely what the forum was able to facilitate.
