Gov. Rick Snyder urges voters to turn down Proposal 6

(WXYZ) - Governor Rick Snyder continues to press the case for a new international crossing with Canada while also urging voters to turn down Proposal 6 on the November ballot. The ballot initiative would require a public vote on any bridge project in the state.

Speaking at the Canada United States Business Association (CUSBA) forum, Snyder once again laid out his reasons for supporting a second border crossing between Detroit and Windsor.

“I wouldn’t have supported this project if I didn’t see tens of thousands of jobs, coming to Michigan and create stronger ties to Canada,” Snyder said. “It’s fundamental and it’s there.”

Snyder’s comments were made to a receptive audience at Detroit’s Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. Former Michigan Governor James Blanchard, who also served as US Ambassador to Canada, supports the deal Snyder negotiated with the Canadian government. Canada will pay for the entire cost of construction of the bridge and recoup its investment over time through bridge tolls.

Ambassador Bridge President Dan Stamper called the new bridge crossing was unnecessary and claimed it would leave Michigan taxpayers responsible for costs, despite the pledges of Snyder and Canadian government officials.

“We’ve looked at this thing and said it makes no sense from the beginning,” said Stamper. “It’s nothing more than an attack on a private owned international crossing, especially from Canada, and it’s worth the fight. Treat us fairly.”

Stamper says the company plans to proceed with the construction of a second span on the 83-year old bridge no matter what voters decide on Proposal 6.