The proposed Gordie Howe International Bridge between the U.S. and Canada faces yet another legal challenge from the private owners of a rival, 86-year-old span. Companies owned by the Moroun family, owner of the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, filed suit in the Michigan Court of Claims late last month, challenging the authority of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) and state transportation officials to take land by eminent domain for approaches to the Michigan side of the planned 1.5-mile-long Gordie Howe bridge, which, at an estimated cost of $3 billion, also would link Detroit and Windsor.
Michigan officials have proposed buying a 42-acre truck yard and other property controlled by Moroun-owned companies, with the state setting various January deadlines to cut a deal before it moves ahead with taking the property by eminent domain, the lawsuit contends. State officials note that, on the Michigan side of the bridge, they will have to pay $370 million to buy the many parcels needed, including a border-control checkpoint, private homes and connections to I-75.