U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says it’s a “myth” that Canada paid for the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Speaking on The Food Professor Podcast, Hoekstra argued that while Canada covered the project’s upfront construction costs, the bridge is designed to be repaid over time through tolls collected from drivers.
“The bridge will actually be paid for by the folks who are using the bridge,” said Hoekstra.
Under the project’s financing agreement, Canada paid for construction upfront.
Those costs are expected to be recovered through future toll revenue generated by vehicles crossing the bridge.
Hoekstra also questioned where that toll revenue will come from.
“You’re diverting it from a tunnel, potentially, which is paid, which is owned, I think, between Windsor and the city of Detroit, run by a bridge authority. And you’re diverting revenue from an American company that owns the Ambassador Bridge,” Hoekstra said.
The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel says it expects traffic to decline 5% to 7% initially after the Gordie Howe Bridge opens before stabilizing at about 1% below current levels.
Tunnel officials say the crossing serves a different type of traveler.
“Recognizing the critical role the Michigan–Ontario border plays in the movement of goods, services, and people, we believe transportation system redundancy is essential to supporting the region’s economy,” the tunnel said in a statement.
The Ambassador Bridge did not respond to a request for comment. Its owner, the Moroun family, opposed the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
The bridge had been expected to open last month, but officials have not announced a new opening date.
U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar has urged the White House to open the bridge.
“Mr. Trump, open up the bridge because Michigan needs it,” Thanedar said.
Local 4 requested an interview with Hoekstra on Monday, but he was unavailable.