OTTAWA, April 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Halton, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today welcomed the signing of the Presidential Permit for the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) / New International Trade Crossing (NITC). The permit is required in the United States to allow the construction of the new publicly-owned bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan.
"Canada and the United States are each other's most important trading partners. The Presidential Permit represents an important step towards a new bridge which will be needed for growing trade and traffic at the busiest Canada-U.S. commercial border crossing with over 8,000 trucks crossing each day," said Minister Raitt. "This project will create thousands of jobs and opportunities on both sides of the border both during the construction period and in the years to come."
The crossing is one of Canada's top infrastructure priorities. In addition to the new six-lane bridge, the project includes state-of-the-art inspection plazas and an interchange with Interstate-75 in Michigan.
"One-quarter of all U.S.-Canada trade, which is the world's largest two-way trading relationship, crosses at Windsor-Detroit," said Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex. "The Detroit River International Crossing will make a vital contribution to our community, the auto industry, Canada's economy and the well-being of both countries."
With the signing of the Presidential Permit, the project can now advance to the next steps including acquisition of properties in the U.S., relocation of utilities, land clearing and more detailed design in preparation of the procurement process to select a successful private sector partner to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the new crossing.
In June 2012, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder announced the signing of the Crossing Agreement. Under that agreement, Canada will be responsible for constructing, financing and operating the new crossing.
The new crossing is also a key component of the Continental Gateway and trade corridor. It further advances Canada's commitment to a secure and efficient border which improves the flow of people and goods.
SOURCE: Government of Canada
For further information:
Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities,
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of
Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of
Intergovernmental Affairs
Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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