- Trump Administration Forces Postponement Of Gordie Howe Bridge Opening
- USDOT Announces Short Deadline For Submitting INFRA Grant Applications
- GEICO Is New Sponsor Of Georgia's Highway Safety Patrol Programs
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Trump Administration Forces Postponement Of Gordie Howe Bridge Opening
The Gordie Howe International Bridge opening that was expected to occur within days has been indefinitely postponed, even though it’s widely reported the USD 4.7 billion toll span is ready to operate.
According to a terse statement issued today by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), “As we work towards an opening date, we are taking a collaborative approach, reflecting our shared ambition for this trade corridor. Canada and the United States have agreed to delay the opening of the bridge, taking the necessary time to resolve any outstanding issues.”
The WDBA announcement confirmed the cancellation of a ribbon cutting ceremony that had been scheduled for tomorrow, June 11, after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer conferred with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Invitations to the event had already been issued, and members of the Howe family had traveled to Windsor for the dedication.
WDBA didn’t specify the nature of the unresolved issues, but they are clearly related to President Trump’s persistent grudges against Canada. In February, he threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge until he obtained unspecified concessions on trade issues and on the long-established agreements between Michigan and Canada governing the bridge’s development.
Pete Hoekstra, the US ambassador to Canada, today told reporters that he and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are in charge of negotiations with Canadian officials about the bridge. He declined to specify the issues under discussion or estimate the time required for a final resolution. According to the Associated Press, the planning to open the bridge was disrupted by “internal disagreements within the Trump administration” and pushback by Lutnick. Lutnick has played a central role in administration efforts to stall the bridge opening. He has also met with Matthew Moroun, owner of the rival Ambassador Bridge and a major Republican donor. One such meeting occurred shortly before Trump issued his February demand for concessions.
Governor Whitmer’s office, Canadian Premier Mark Carney, and members of Michigan’s congressional delegation all tread carefully in their statements about the postponement, suggesting it has little significance.
Sources: WDBA news release, The Detroit News, Associated Press, CBC News, TRN
Canada Detroit Int'l Bridge Company (Ambassador Bridge) Gordie Howe Int'l Bridge Michigan Ontario US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Windsor-Detroit Bridge AuthorityUSDOT Announces Short Deadline For Submitting INFRA Grant Applications
On June 9, USDOT announced it is making $626.7 million available through the FY 2026 INFRA grant program and prioritizing projects costing more than $150 million. Applications will be accepted from state, multistate, local, regional, and tribal government agencies for awards to be issued on two distinct tracks:
- Track 1 ($426.7 million in FY 2023 and 2024 funds) for surface transportation projects of national and regional significance. Applications are due by July 1.
- Track 2 ($200 million in FY 2026 funds) for increases in commercial motor vehicle parking. Applications are due by July 15.
USDOT will also give priority to proposals that support freight movement, supply chains, and, for the first time, access to commercial space facilities. As examples, it cited projects to:
- Upgrade safety technology at railroad crossings.
- Repair highways or bridges to reduce congestion and bottlenecks.
- Strengthen America’s marine highways to diversify domestic supply chains.
- Modernize key highway infrastructure along the nation’s busiest freight corridors.
Sources: USDOT news release, Notice of Funding Opportunity
Highway-Tunnel-Bridge Maintenance Highway-Tunnel-Bridge Safety (Includes COVID-19 Impacts) US Department of Transportation (USDOT) US Gov't Transportation FundingGEICO Is New Sponsor Of Georgia's Highway Safety Patrol Programs
Georgia DOT announced that GEICO is the new sponsor of the statewide Coordinated Highway Assistance and Maintenance Program (CHAMP) and the Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) program in metro Atlanta.
According to the department, the two roadway patrol programs “are among the most recognized safety resources on Georgia’s interstate highways, helping over 200,000 drivers each year while assisting motorists in need, alleviating congestion, helping prevent secondary crashes, and keeping traffic moving. The GEICO-sponsored programs will continue to play a critical role in keeping roadways clear, assisting motorists, and ensuring safe, efficient travel for the millions of visitors expected to experience this historic commemoration this summer and beyond.”
The services of both programs are free to motorists. GEICO’s sponsorship provides supplementary funding for equipment and “operational enhancements.” GEICO government affairs representative Joe Termini, commented, “Helping drivers through the unexpected is at the heart of what we do at GEICO, and CHAMP and HERO do exactly that every day on Georgia’s roads. We are proud to put our name behind patrols that get drivers moving again and keep these roads safer for everyone.”
Source: GDOT news release
Georgia Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Highway-Tunnel-Bridge Maintenance Highway-Tunnel-Bridge Safety (Includes COVID-19 Impacts)Subscription Information
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