LANSING — State Representative Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) said today that she is disappointed that the U.S. Coast Guard has granted a permit, with conditions, the Detroit International Bridge Co. (DIBC) to proceed with planning for a second span over the Detroit River next to the Ambassador Bridge.
Before he begins to build his second span, however, the DIBC first has to gain legal title to Riverside Park property. For that, they need approval from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. National Park Service. Before construction begins, the company also needs the approval of the Canadian government to land the bridge in the neighborhood in their building plans.
“I am very disappointed by the Coast Guard’s decision to issue a permit to the Ambassador Bridge to build a second private span without requiring a full environmental impact study. The testimony we heard at the public hearing regarding asthma and public health concerns in Southwest Detroit, and the major flaws with the data in the environmental assessment, called for a full study so we know the real impact on our air quality and public health. I hope that the Canadian government and Michigan Department of Natural Resources give this issue a full and thorough look before making any decision.”