Canadian Transport Minister and Michigan Governor meet to discuss the Detroit River International Crossing

Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Minister of Transport and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder met in Lansing, Michigan to discuss the progress and the next steps towards the building of the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) / New International Trade Crossing (NITC) project...

Since the issuance of the presidential permit in April 2013, Canada and Michigan have undertaken further design, planning, and due diligence work. Geotechnical and foundation engineering as well as the property acquisition process are continuing on both sides of the border. Several environmental mitigation measures including the installation of snake fencing, the relocation of species at risk plants and breeding birds and vegetative surveys have already been completed in Canada. On the U.S. side, the partners are completing titles searches for properties needed for the U.S. port of entry. The State has also obtained the requisite Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) permit and has completed its application for the Coast Guard navigational permit. As well, both Canada and Michigan continue to meet with border agencies to advance the design of the new inspection plazas...

This has been excerpted from the 12 November 2013 news release by Transport Canada, and is available in its entirety at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/releases-2013-h151e-7415.html.