It's not just Matty and the unions contributing, don't forget about the Corrigan Group. They're a large reason why the DRIC got started in the first place. The DIBC first announced another span back in 1998 and everyone was on board. Canada, MDOT and the City of Detroit. MDOT's original plans and literature for the I-75 Gateway project even suggested that. A big reason for the Gateway was to provide for the proposed second span.
When the fence was put up not only had then mayor Dennis Archer agreed to it. But, the City Council actually passed an ordinance in 2003 granting the DIBC permission to put the fence up. Then sometime after that, the Corrigan Group started spending money and wrangled themselves a no bid 36 million dollar contract to conduct a study on a second bridge. At which time the DIBC proposal that had been informally agreed to by all was suddenly deemed not acceptable. The entire time everyone knew that the DRIC was pushing for the Delray area and the entire study was just a foregone conclusion.
Among Moroun's problems, and he has many, is the fact that he agreed to the Gateway because of the fact that his second span was supposed to be included. After which, he has been blocked from doing his project by the City of Detroit, MDOT and Canada who had all previously agreed to support his second span. A big reason why is because of the money that the Corrigan Group had spent.
When everything is said and done, the Corrigan Group will be a big part of whatever P3 is established to operate the DRIC, if it's ever approved.
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