Synder backs DRIC

**rb336** · January-20-11, 08:32 AM

I prefer Rick Backs DRIC
extra kudos for leveraging the 550 million from the Canadians as MDOT matching funds for roadway repair

**R8RBOB** · January-20-11, 08:50 AM

Moroun could not been happy to hear that the new governor openly stated that he want a publicly-owned bridge over the D river. Looks like they need to spread more bribe money to the Lansing politicians.

**maxx** · January-20-11, 02:08 PM

He should ask for his money back. lol

**Hypestyles** · January-20-11, 02:39 PM

this project needs to be fast-tracked as soon as possible, secure the design and layout, get the ground broken, find the local detroit residents to train and hire for the construction and security jobs, etc.

**kraig** · January-20-11, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by rb336

I prefer Rick Backs DRIC
extra kudos for leveraging the 550 million from the Canadians as MDOT matching funds for roadway repair

While the paying back of the loan is still a concern [[the toll revenue numbers simply aren't there), it is good that he managed to leverage the loan for matching funds. Did Granholm ever try that?

**Wesley Mouch** · January-21-11, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by kraig

While the paying back of the loan is still a concern [[the toll revenue numbers simply aren't there), it is good that he managed to leverage the loan for matching funds. ...

This debate has been framed in terms of payback. Why?

We have FREEways in Michigan. The state [[or Feds) pay because good roads [[or public transit) help everyone economically. The Canadians get it. They're ready to fund to support their economy.

I crossed for free in Buffalo recently. Why can't this road be as toll-free as I-94.

**kraig** · January-21-11, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Wesley Mouch

This debate has been framed in terms of payback. Why?

We have FREEways in Michigan. The state [[or Feds) pay because good roads [[or public transit) help everyone economically. The Canadians get it. They're ready to fund to support their economy.

I crossed for free in Buffalo recently. Why can't this road be as toll-free as I-94.

Did you walk across or drive across for free? This is an International Border Crossing that is going to require tolls to fund itself. From the State's perspective, the amount of revenue that's brought in for the state's responsibility needs to be enough to pay off the loan. Otherwise, the difference will have to come from the State's general fund. Which means some type of cut will have to be made such as State Police, Human Services or State road projects. From the Senate and House perspectives. Do you take the risk of neglecting the roads that 9 or 10 million state residents drive everyday for the sake of a border crossing that will, at best projections, only handle around 10 thousand vehicles per day? Especially, when you consider that the conversation for the new crossing has been reduced from need to simple redundacy.

**kraig** · January-21-11, 10:49 AM

This is why questions need to be answered.

Rep. Paul Opsommer, R-DeWitt, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, which must approve legislation allowing the DRIC to be built, said much of the GOP opposition focused on allowing the state to enter into joint contracts with private companies for roads and other transportation projects.
He said he hopes those objections can be quelled with revisions to protect taxpayers from getting stuck with costs private companies should pay. The DRIC would be built and funded by a private contractor who would be paid back with bridge toll fees.

Now, if a private contractor is funding the building of the DRIC as stated. Why is a 550 million dollar loan to the State of Michigan needed? And doesn't this statement confilct with what Snyder said? If you're in the State House or the Senate, you would probably want clarification before you proceed.

Read more: Snyder's DRIC plan may pose difficulty with Republican-led Legislature | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/2011012...#ixzz1BgX0xlNW