A state House budget proposal would stop the Michigan Department of Transportation from using taxpayer money on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
That's even though Canada is reimbursing Michigan for its expenses.
Anna Heaton is a spokesperson for Business Leaders for Michigan, which is pro-bridge. She says Michigan stands to gain thousands of jobs from the new crossing, not just construction jobs.
"We think the bridge should continue moving forward," says Heaton. "There should be no impediment to continuing construction. This is a very, very important project for the continued economic success of the whole state."
State Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford, chairs the subcommittee that removed the authorizing language for funding the new bridge.
He told Crain's he wants Canada to pay Michigan's costs up front, instead of reimbursing the state. Maddock did not respond to Michigan Radio's request for an interview.
Matty Moroun, the owner of the Ambassador Bridge, is one of Maddock's major campaign donors. Moroun has spent millions trying to stop the new bridge from being built.
