Trucks spew deadly pollution at nation’s ports, new reports show
by: Marilyn Bechtel
December 23 2009
tags: environment, pollution, health care, auto industry, California, workers, health
Two reports published earlier this month, one on the East Coast and one on the West Coast, underscore the importance of cleaning up the air around the nation's ports, with emphasis on emissions from thousands of trucks that shuttle to and from the docks.
One is a study by the New York-New Jersey-based Coalition for Healthy Ports, titled "Hazardous to Our Health: The human impact of port truck pollution on truck drivers and residents in New York and New Jersey."
"Exposure to diesel particulate matter causes hypertension, asthma, heart disease, lung cancer and a host of other respiratory illnesses, and can often be deadly," the environment-labor-community group said. Citing studies showing daily emissions from the ports equaling that from over 400,000 cars, it said evidence increasingly points to port truck pollution in soaring illness rates among drivers and residents of nearby communities.
More than one of every four schoolchildren in Newark, N.J., suffers from asthma, and the death rate from asthma is twice the rate found in suburban and rural areas of the same county, the report said. Port communities also have cancer risks hundreds of times greater than the Environmental Protection Agency's "acceptable cancer level" of one in a million. Port truckdrivers are especially hard hit, since most also live near the ports.
Since the trucking industry was deregulated in 1980, most port drivers are so-called independent contractors, shouldering all costs for their rigs, and barred from organizing to better their conditions. As a result, the coalition says, the average New York and New Jersey driver earns less than $10/hour and has no health insurance. Because drivers can only afford old, dirty trucks, the Port Authority estimates that nearly all trucks now serving the ports fail to meet 2007 EPA engine standards.
The mayors of New York, Newark, Oakland, Los Angeles and other cities recently joined together to urge Congress to help local authorities overcome the roadblocks, including outdated laws, holding back cleanup efforts.
On the opposite coast, Contra Costa Times reporters Sandy Kleffman and Suzanne Bohan launched a series of articles drawing on data specially compiled by the Alameda County Health Department, which serves communities across the bay from San Francisco.
"Examining asthma rates reveals a stunning pattern," the reporters found. "By far, the most hospitalizations occur in low-income communities near the Port of Oakland, along busy Interstate 880 in East and West Oakland, and the convergence of freeways near North Oakland and Emeryville." Significant truck traffic on those freeways is linked to the Port of Oakland, and trucks often pass through and park in nearby residential neighborhoods.
The reporters also cited a cancer risk three times higher in West Oakland neighborhoods near the port than in the Bay Area as a whole.
Oakland, too, has been developing a Clean Trucks Program as part of its overall Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan. The Oakland Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports has been encouraging the port there to follow in the footsteps of the programs that have cut port truck air emissions by about 70 percent in the last 15 months at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
LA would also require trucking firms to have "concession" status with the port and to hire drivers as employees, making the firms responsible for their trucks. Those plans and a similar proposal for Oakland are now in limbo pending the outcome of the American Trucking Association's lawsuit against the concession requirement.
Progress also brings contradictions. Earlier this year the Port of Oakland said, starting Jan. 1, pre-1994 trucks would be banned and filters would be required on those built between 1994 and 2003. In either case, costs in the tens of thousands are far beyond the reach of most independent drivers, and subsidies offered by the port have run out, leaving many drivers stranded.
One of these is Manuel Rivas, 56, a single father of three who has been a port driver for 21 years. His 1989 truck broke down months ago, and Rivas can't afford a new truck, or even a newer used one which would quickly become obsolete.
"I've lost my job," he told the People's World in a phone interview. "My situation is terrible - I don't know what will happen after Jan. 1. Because I'm an independent driver, I have no unemployment insurance, and at 56, I'm too old to find another job."
Rivas, who describes damage to his own health from years of breathing fumes, continues to support efforts to cut diesel pollution at the port. But he says the drivers need more consideration.
Meanwhile, he continues to work with other drivers in the same plight, with support of the Oakland Clean and Safe Ports Coalition, which is working on ways to help drivers find new jobs or get retraining.
Photo: PW/Marilyn Bechtel
"http://www.peoplesworld.org/trucks-spew-deadly-pollution-at-nation-s-ports-new-reports-show/"
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Bridge consultant moves to oust Detroit political foe
Dave Battagello, The Windsor Star
Published: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A political consultant hired by the Ambassador Bridge has orchestrated the filing of three recall petitions against state Rep. Rashida Tlaib after her tenacious efforts to force bridge owner Matty Moroun to carry out stringent environmental studies and acquire proper permits before building a twin span.
Moroun has hired Adolph Mongo -- whose lengthy political history includes promoting the interests of former Detroit mayors Kwame Kilpatrick and Coleman Young -- to chase Tlaib from her southwest Detroit district, which includes the bridge, Tlaib alleges.
Mongo doesn't live in the district, but has backed the efforts of a Delray resident to file recall documents with the Wayne County clerk's office. He cited Tlaib's support of the competing DRIC bridge project and potential destruction it would cause in Delray.
The recall effort comes in the wake of the bridge company legally threatening Coun. Ron Jones to refrain from critical comments on this side of the border.
On Tuesday Tlaib, a Democrat, blasted the bridge for trying to silence her for defending the best interests of her community and residents.
"I was not elected to represent Mr. Mongo or a billion-dollar company," she said. "I represent the people of the 12th district and this is what they elected me to do -- make sure permits and environmental clearance are in place before any bridge is built.
"I've been very clear about that with the Ambassador Bridge and they expressed no interest in listening. They continue to hire lawyers looking for short cuts."
Her district is in the shadows of Zug Island and other heavy industry and residents suffering from higher than normal asthma and heart disease rates, she said. Increased truck traffic and environmental fallout from a second Ambassador span need to be scrutinized before construction can occur, she said.
"My community wants the same things as the community in Windsor -- to be free of high asthma rates and have safer truck traffic movement," Tlaib said. "We are fed up with trucks in our neighbourhoods."
Mongo has denied that bridge owner Moroun has anything to do with the recall effort.
The next step calls on those looking to recall Tlaib to collect about 2,000 signatures and present them to the Wayne County Clerk's office to force a special election. The next scheduled state election is a year away.
Tlaib has won support in recent months from Detroit city council, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security to study more closely the impact of Moroun's twin span before granting permits.
Messages left with bridge president Dan Stamper Tuesday were not returned.
"The bridge company is doing what they can to silence and intimidate me," Tlaib said. "They cannot illegally build a bridge in this district. All these folks are dying from respiratory illness and we have heavy industry all around us. People are fed up."
- - -
DRIC BACKED
There should be no concerns about Michigan's commitment to a binational government effort to build a new Windsor-Detroit crossing, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation said Tuesday.
Even though the state has yet to purchase a single property in Delray -- a southwest Detroit neighbourhood that will serve as home to the new plaza and bridge entrance on the U.S. side -- there are hopes that may change when the state completes its budget before the end of September.
"We still have our (environmental assessment) approval in place," said Bill Shreck, spokesman for MDOT. "The budget is still in front of the legislature. We don't know what language, if any, will be in the budget (to support the DRIC bridge)."
Michigan is part of the binational Detroit River International Crossing study.
http://www2.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=25c105b1-21e7-474b-b14a-1d54bc67afa7&p=2
Published: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A political consultant hired by the Ambassador Bridge has orchestrated the filing of three recall petitions against state Rep. Rashida Tlaib after her tenacious efforts to force bridge owner Matty Moroun to carry out stringent environmental studies and acquire proper permits before building a twin span.
Moroun has hired Adolph Mongo -- whose lengthy political history includes promoting the interests of former Detroit mayors Kwame Kilpatrick and Coleman Young -- to chase Tlaib from her southwest Detroit district, which includes the bridge, Tlaib alleges.
Mongo doesn't live in the district, but has backed the efforts of a Delray resident to file recall documents with the Wayne County clerk's office. He cited Tlaib's support of the competing DRIC bridge project and potential destruction it would cause in Delray.
The recall effort comes in the wake of the bridge company legally threatening Coun. Ron Jones to refrain from critical comments on this side of the border.
On Tuesday Tlaib, a Democrat, blasted the bridge for trying to silence her for defending the best interests of her community and residents.
"I was not elected to represent Mr. Mongo or a billion-dollar company," she said. "I represent the people of the 12th district and this is what they elected me to do -- make sure permits and environmental clearance are in place before any bridge is built.
"I've been very clear about that with the Ambassador Bridge and they expressed no interest in listening. They continue to hire lawyers looking for short cuts."
Her district is in the shadows of Zug Island and other heavy industry and residents suffering from higher than normal asthma and heart disease rates, she said. Increased truck traffic and environmental fallout from a second Ambassador span need to be scrutinized before construction can occur, she said.
"My community wants the same things as the community in Windsor -- to be free of high asthma rates and have safer truck traffic movement," Tlaib said. "We are fed up with trucks in our neighbourhoods."
Mongo has denied that bridge owner Moroun has anything to do with the recall effort.
The next step calls on those looking to recall Tlaib to collect about 2,000 signatures and present them to the Wayne County Clerk's office to force a special election. The next scheduled state election is a year away.
Tlaib has won support in recent months from Detroit city council, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security to study more closely the impact of Moroun's twin span before granting permits.
Messages left with bridge president Dan Stamper Tuesday were not returned.
"The bridge company is doing what they can to silence and intimidate me," Tlaib said. "They cannot illegally build a bridge in this district. All these folks are dying from respiratory illness and we have heavy industry all around us. People are fed up."
- - -
DRIC BACKED
There should be no concerns about Michigan's commitment to a binational government effort to build a new Windsor-Detroit crossing, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation said Tuesday.
Even though the state has yet to purchase a single property in Delray -- a southwest Detroit neighbourhood that will serve as home to the new plaza and bridge entrance on the U.S. side -- there are hopes that may change when the state completes its budget before the end of September.
"We still have our (environmental assessment) approval in place," said Bill Shreck, spokesman for MDOT. "The budget is still in front of the legislature. We don't know what language, if any, will be in the budget (to support the DRIC bridge)."
Michigan is part of the binational Detroit River International Crossing study.
http://www2.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=25c105b1-21e7-474b-b14a-1d54bc67afa7&p=2
Monday, July 27, 2009
Dear friends, advocates and neighbors,
My office is hosting the first-ever Environmental Justice Forum in Southwest Detroit lead by local residents on Monday, August 10th at Latino Family Services, located at 3815 W. Fort St. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and program begins at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be served.
Our community has endured great hardship over the number of environmental injustices near our homes, schools and parks. Many agencies, community members and others have been advocating on our behalf. However, this forum is allowing elected officials, health officials and social justice advocates to hear directly from residents on how on how large-scale industry and transportation projects impact human health, environment, and the quality of life of our families.
Topics to include:
• Detroit Salt Mine blasting
• Marathon Oil Refinery expansion
• Truck traffic and rail industry
• Detroit River International Crossing and Community Benefits
• Ambassador Bridge Second Span
Participants will develop community action events and concrete solutions to address the impacts. Please make an effort to come out support local residents and their effort to be heard.
I hope to see you all on August 10th. If you have any questions please call my office at 517-373-0823.
Attached please find a flyer for the invite (in English and Spanish) to forward to your networks and friends.
Best,
Rashida Tlaib
State Representative
12th District, Southwest Detroit
Friday, July 17, 2009
Twinned Ambassador Bridge 'makes no sense'
Twinned Ambassador Bridge 'makes no sense'
Liberal Sen. Colin Kenny and Conservative Sen. Pamela Wallin tour plaza
By Chris Thompson, The Windsor StarJuly 16, 2009
The Windsor Star
WINDSOR, Ont. -- The twinning of the Ambassador Bridge isn’t needed, the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Defence said during a whirlwind tour of the bridge’s Canadian security operation Thursday.
“I don’t think it should be at this location,” said Liberal Senator Colin Kenny, who toured the bridge plaza along with committee deputy chairwoman, Conservative Senator Pamela Wallin.
“The idea of twinning this facility makes no sense because if this facility went down, you’d lose both of them,” he said.
So, let’s have it at another location.”
Kenny and Wallin toured the passenger and commercial processing facilities, including the VACIS truck examination unit, and held a working lunch with representatives of the Canada Border Services Agency and other agencies.
“Essentially, we’re going (from) Halifax to Vancouver looking at different border crossings.” said Kenny.
“We’re very concerned that we have as effective a system as we can have. We see it as jobs in Canada and we think it is very important that our border is robust and effective.”
Kenny said security will have to be a major consideration at the new border crossing.
“We think another bridge, not necessarily an Ambassador Bridge, we think another bridge is very important,” said Kenny.
“I’m very concerned that it’s been delayed past 2013 but if it’s coming it’s very good news for people in southern Ontario and Windsor in particular.
“We need to make sure that we do have capacity as trade grows. Secondly, if you’re relying on a single crossing and something goes wrong with it, things shut down, and that could have a devastating effect on the economy of Ontario.”
Kenny would not identify his preferred location for the new crossing, citing the ongoing DRIC process.
Wallin, who previously served as the Canadian consul general in New York City, said she understands the U.S. concerns about security precluding those of trade.
“You’re asking somebody who lived in the United States in the weeks and months and years after 9-11 so I’m very sensitive to their mindset about that,” said Wallin, a former television journalist and host.
“They do see the world through the security lens. We tend to see the world through the trade and sovereignty lens so we need to go a long way to ensure that each understands what is crucial to that other person.”
Kenny said he was impressed with the changes he saw at the bridge since his last visit in 2007.
“They have it where they are able to clear a lot more trucks through right at the primary inspection line than they could before, so that’s a different thing than before,” said Kenny.
“Prior to that, far more trucks were sent to a secondary location that is up the road and here the trucks are being cleared more rapidly, which is an encouraging sign. It’s a very positive thing.”
© Copyright (c) The Windsor Star
http://www.windsorstar.com/news/Twinned+Ambassador+Bridge+makes+sense/1798170/story.html
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Southwest Solutions takes a stand on the bridge issue
Southwest Solutions is a nonprofit organization providing mental health, affordable housing, services to the homeless, literacy programs, and community organizing in southwest Detroit. The organization’s annual budget is $23 million and its real estate portfolio $70 million in real estate assets in southwest Detroit.
Since 1999 and in collaboration with other organizations, Southwest Solutions has worked intently to maintain a knowledgeable and educated position regarding international bridge-related issues.
By way of background, the Ambassador Bridge, is owned and operated by the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC), a privately-held corporation. DIBC will strongly benefit from a $200 million investment by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in a complete rebuilding of the infrastructure connecting the existing bridge to the interstate highway system. DIBC’s intention is to build a six lane “replacement” span adjacent to the existing bridge.
In addition to DIBC’s plans is the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC), a bi-nationally sponsored public endeavor to erect and maintain a publicly-owned bridge situated downriver from the Ambassador Bridge. This new bridge would connect the Delray community in southwest Detroit with Brighton Beach, Ontario.
In partnership with the Gateway Collaborative and others, Southwest Solutions has sought to protect the interests of the Southwest Detroit community with respect to bridge-related issues. We believe that the best way to protect the community is to promote vigorous and continuous dialogue between both DIBC and the promoters of DRIC and community residents. This dialogue should include:
o public hearings
o study and analysis of community impacts
o continuous dialogue between the community and the United States Coast Guard, the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.
In light of recent developments regarding bridge-related issues, Southwest Solutions:
1. Affirms our position that Southwest Solutions seeks to protect the best interests of residents and the small businesses that serve them in connection with both the current Gateway Project and any new international bridge project originating in our community;
2. Stresses that community protections in connection with such projects must be codified through legally enforceable agreements, such as Community Benefits Agreements, before any bridge plan is approved and before any bridge construction can begin;
3. Opposes any plan that fails to reduce bridge-related traffic volumes on surface streets in our community;
4. Will help ensure that community concerns are presented to appropriate governmental and regulatory bodies;
5. Seeks completion of full environmental impact studies and the sharing of results of those studies with the local community.
Since 1999 and in collaboration with other organizations, Southwest Solutions has worked intently to maintain a knowledgeable and educated position regarding international bridge-related issues.
By way of background, the Ambassador Bridge, is owned and operated by the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC), a privately-held corporation. DIBC will strongly benefit from a $200 million investment by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in a complete rebuilding of the infrastructure connecting the existing bridge to the interstate highway system. DIBC’s intention is to build a six lane “replacement” span adjacent to the existing bridge.
In addition to DIBC’s plans is the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC), a bi-nationally sponsored public endeavor to erect and maintain a publicly-owned bridge situated downriver from the Ambassador Bridge. This new bridge would connect the Delray community in southwest Detroit with Brighton Beach, Ontario.
In partnership with the Gateway Collaborative and others, Southwest Solutions has sought to protect the interests of the Southwest Detroit community with respect to bridge-related issues. We believe that the best way to protect the community is to promote vigorous and continuous dialogue between both DIBC and the promoters of DRIC and community residents. This dialogue should include:
o public hearings
o study and analysis of community impacts
o continuous dialogue between the community and the United States Coast Guard, the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.
In light of recent developments regarding bridge-related issues, Southwest Solutions:
1. Affirms our position that Southwest Solutions seeks to protect the best interests of residents and the small businesses that serve them in connection with both the current Gateway Project and any new international bridge project originating in our community;
2. Stresses that community protections in connection with such projects must be codified through legally enforceable agreements, such as Community Benefits Agreements, before any bridge plan is approved and before any bridge construction can begin;
3. Opposes any plan that fails to reduce bridge-related traffic volumes on surface streets in our community;
4. Will help ensure that community concerns are presented to appropriate governmental and regulatory bodies;
5. Seeks completion of full environmental impact studies and the sharing of results of those studies with the local community.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
CALL Cong Hoekstra on Tues. July 14th!
Help make our voices heard!
CALL CONGRESSMAN HOEKSTRA on TUESDAY, JULY 14th !
If you read down to the bottom of this email, you'll see some political grandstanding from U.S. Representative Peter Hoekstra, a Republican from Holland.
He issued a press release and sent a letter to Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) standing up for -- you guessed it -- the Ambassador Bridge Company and the illegal changes they made to the Gateway Project.
Hoekstra, who's running for Governor, apparently feels the need to pander to the business interests trying to run roughshod over our community. We need to make it known that these changes endanger our health by allowing bridge traffic into our neighborhoods.
By making this Tuesday, July 14th between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CALL HOEKSTRA DAY we can ensure our voices are heard!
(202) 225-4401 (Washington D.C.)
And follow it up with an email at:
http://hoekstra.house.gov/Contact/ContactForm.htm
Phone Script:
Hello my name is _________ and I am calling to ask that Congressman Hoekstra help protect our human health and environment by advocating that the Ambassador Bridge Company comply with the original contractual agreement with MDOT. Congressman Hoekstra should support keeping trucks out of our neighborhoods as promised by the Gateway Project instead of questioning MDOT’s obligation and supporting the Ambassador Bridge Company’s illegal actions.
Hoekstra Raises Questions about Piles of Dirt on a Recently Constructed Section of I-75
Congressman Sends Letter to MDOT Requesting Answers to Several Questions
Washington, Jul 7 - U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, today sent a letter to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) questioning why it placed thousands of tons of dirt on a newly constructed service drive designed to provide a new I-75 freeway link leading to the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit.
"In light of the federal taxpayer dollars spent toward funding MDOT, and particularly considering the pending $80 billion transportation budget shortfalls, more information on this matter is necessary," Hoekstra wrote after visiting Detroit to examine border and transportation issues when the situation was brought to his attention.
"If the freeway link is ready, just open it," Hoekstra said. "It will save truckers and Detroit motorists time, money and fuel."
Hoekstra posed several questions to MDOT, including why the dirt was dumped on the site, how much it cost to dump it there and then move it, how much money will be spent on preparing or repairing the service drive for traffic and why a less intrusive barrier such as traffic barrels weren’t used.
"Michigan continues to struggle through a nearly decade-long recession," Hoekstra said. "Yet the state has now built a fence to protect turtles from oncoming traffic in Muskegon, remodeled a rest area along I-196 between Holland and Grand Rapids and is now piling and removing dirt on the I-75 freeway link to the Ambassador Bridge. We need to better allocate state resources and reform how Lansing prioritizes projects."
CALL CONGRESSMAN HOEKSTRA on TUESDAY, JULY 14th !
If you read down to the bottom of this email, you'll see some political grandstanding from U.S. Representative Peter Hoekstra, a Republican from Holland.
He issued a press release and sent a letter to Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) standing up for -- you guessed it -- the Ambassador Bridge Company and the illegal changes they made to the Gateway Project.
Hoekstra, who's running for Governor, apparently feels the need to pander to the business interests trying to run roughshod over our community. We need to make it known that these changes endanger our health by allowing bridge traffic into our neighborhoods.
By making this Tuesday, July 14th between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CALL HOEKSTRA DAY we can ensure our voices are heard!
(202) 225-4401 (Washington D.C.)
And follow it up with an email at:
http://hoekstra.house.gov/Contact/ContactForm.htm
Phone Script:
Hello my name is _________ and I am calling to ask that Congressman Hoekstra help protect our human health and environment by advocating that the Ambassador Bridge Company comply with the original contractual agreement with MDOT. Congressman Hoekstra should support keeping trucks out of our neighborhoods as promised by the Gateway Project instead of questioning MDOT’s obligation and supporting the Ambassador Bridge Company’s illegal actions.
Hoekstra Raises Questions about Piles of Dirt on a Recently Constructed Section of I-75
Congressman Sends Letter to MDOT Requesting Answers to Several Questions
Washington, Jul 7 - U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, today sent a letter to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) questioning why it placed thousands of tons of dirt on a newly constructed service drive designed to provide a new I-75 freeway link leading to the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit.
"In light of the federal taxpayer dollars spent toward funding MDOT, and particularly considering the pending $80 billion transportation budget shortfalls, more information on this matter is necessary," Hoekstra wrote after visiting Detroit to examine border and transportation issues when the situation was brought to his attention.
"If the freeway link is ready, just open it," Hoekstra said. "It will save truckers and Detroit motorists time, money and fuel."
Hoekstra posed several questions to MDOT, including why the dirt was dumped on the site, how much it cost to dump it there and then move it, how much money will be spent on preparing or repairing the service drive for traffic and why a less intrusive barrier such as traffic barrels weren’t used.
"Michigan continues to struggle through a nearly decade-long recession," Hoekstra said. "Yet the state has now built a fence to protect turtles from oncoming traffic in Muskegon, remodeled a rest area along I-196 between Holland and Grand Rapids and is now piling and removing dirt on the I-75 freeway link to the Ambassador Bridge. We need to better allocate state resources and reform how Lansing prioritizes projects."
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
U-M, EPA to study Detroit air pollution
WASHINGTON – The University of Michigan and the federal Environmental Protection Agency will study the effects of air pollution from traffic on children in Detroit.
The agency made the announcement this morning, committing $1.4 million to the joint study with U-M.
Researchers plan to look into the effects of pollutants common near roadways, studying how people are exposed to them, the extent of exposure and the types and severity of health effects. Specifically, the EPA and U-M will study traffic-associated pollution in Detroit and whether it could lead to more severe asthma attacks in children ages 6 to 14 and whether traffic exposure increases the likelihood of respiratory infections.
According to the EPA, more than 45 million people in the U.S. live within 300 feet of a four-lane road, airport or railroad.
“The knowledge gained from this study will arm local governments with the best available science when planning some of their most important projects, such as road and school design,” said Lek Kadeli, acting assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This information will help build safer communities for our children.”
In a recently released report on fitness by the American College of Sports Medicine, Detroit was found to have an asthma rate of 10.2% — higher than the national average.
The EPA says it plans to work with a group of 105 Detroit children suffering from persistent asthma and recruited on the basis of the proximity of their residence to different types of roadways.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090707/NEWS15/90707033/1008/NEWS06
The agency made the announcement this morning, committing $1.4 million to the joint study with U-M.
Researchers plan to look into the effects of pollutants common near roadways, studying how people are exposed to them, the extent of exposure and the types and severity of health effects. Specifically, the EPA and U-M will study traffic-associated pollution in Detroit and whether it could lead to more severe asthma attacks in children ages 6 to 14 and whether traffic exposure increases the likelihood of respiratory infections.
According to the EPA, more than 45 million people in the U.S. live within 300 feet of a four-lane road, airport or railroad.
“The knowledge gained from this study will arm local governments with the best available science when planning some of their most important projects, such as road and school design,” said Lek Kadeli, acting assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This information will help build safer communities for our children.”
In a recently released report on fitness by the American College of Sports Medicine, Detroit was found to have an asthma rate of 10.2% — higher than the national average.
The EPA says it plans to work with a group of 105 Detroit children suffering from persistent asthma and recruited on the basis of the proximity of their residence to different types of roadways.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090707/NEWS15/90707033/1008/NEWS06
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Protesters, politicians condemn twin bridge
City of Windsor Coun. Ron Jones joined a binational coalition hoping to stop the construction of a second Ambassador Bridge at a press conference at Ste. Anne Church located just east of the Ambassador Bridge Friday, June 26, 2009. MP Brian Masse and U.S. State Rep. Rashida Tlaib, both behind right, and State Sen. Hansen Clarke, left, also addressed the crowd of about 50 members.Photograph by: NICK BRANCACCIO, The Windsor Star
DETROIT -- Politicians and neighbourhood groups from both sides of the border stood united in the shadow of the Ambassador Bridge in southwest Detroit Friday and condemned as destructive a proposal to construct a twin span.
“We have so many things in common and we will fight this fight together,” Ward 2 Coun. Ron Jones told a crowd of about 50 people outside St. Anne Church. “I’m going to say to you hold on and don’t get tired. Walk that final mile together. Don’t allow them to divide and separate your community.”
Michigan State Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat, said the bridge company “couldn’t care less about protecting our families and our children down the street,” who live in a culturally-diverse area where one in five kids suffers from asthma.
She accused company officials of circumventing the environmental approvals process by building a twin span in increments without obtaining federal permits.
“The bridge company has attempted to sidestep this process by segmenting their project, by cutting it up into small components in order to avoid the cost of mitigating the impact their project would have on our environment,” she said.
A message left for Ambassador Bridge company president Dan Stamper Friday was not immediately returned.
Grassroots organizations from southwest Detroit and west Windsor attended the small rally and carried signs reading “We have the right to breathe” and “Twin Span = Double Trouble.” They pledged to work together in opposing a twin span.
“On the Canadian side, our problems are the same as your problems. We’re all in this together, ” said Sandwich Towne activist and bakery shop owner Mary Ann Cuderman.
“Wars last for years but they’re never won until the final hours. We’re down to the final hours and if we stand united we can beat this thing.”
Michelle Martinez, of southwest Detroit, said this sort of “binational grassroots mobilization” was a “powerful” new tool.
“We deal with these semi-trucks. We deal with pollution. This is real,” said Martinez.
“This isn’t a small community isolated in southwest Detroit standing on their little pedestal and waving a flag. This is an international issue.”
Martinez expressed fears that legislators might be too hasty to support a twinned bridge because of concerns with the sputtering economy.
“We want jobs, we want good jobs, but we don’t want to sacrifice our communities anymore for those jobs,” she said. “Our community suffers with asthma and heart disease and multiple respiratory problems because of air pollution.”
NDP MP Brian Masse attended the news conference and assured U.S. residents that the bridge company had miles to go to secure the necessary approvals in Canada.
“A border shouldn’t be a burden in your community,” said Masse.
“We have two vulnerable communities that should be enhanced by a border crossing, not decimated by it.”
Jones told the crowd a twin span would cut Sandwich towne in half and “we’re not going to allow it to happen.”
© Copyright (c) The Windsor Star
http://www.windsorstar.com/news/Protesters+politicians+condemn+twin+bridge+plan/1737671/story.html
Todays press conference with Members of City, State, and Canadian government
State Rep. Tlaib, Parliament Member Masse, Senator Clarke, and Windsor Council Member Ron Jones
Photo by Steve Palackdharry
Thursday, June 25, 2009
I am creating this page so that anyone interested in joining Bridge Watch Detroit or anyone just interested in the issue can get the facts about what is happening with the Ambassador Bridge Enhancement Project, The Illegal seizure of 23rd street, The Illegal Seizure of Riverside Park and the pending law suits filed at the Federal, State, and Local levels so that they can make informed decisions on what stand they would like to take.
This site is meant to be an informational tool and I will do my best to provide as many of the recent stories as possible...
Thanks,
Bridge Watch Admin
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Coast Guard tells businessman to halt new bridge
By TODD SPANGLER • FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF • June 15, 2009
Updated at 12:17 a.m.
WASHINGTON – The Coast Guard is telling Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel (Matty) Moroun to halt work on a second span, at least until the agency is certain he has all the property rights he needs to build a new bridge and concerns raised by the Michigan Department of Transportation are addressed.
The Coast Guard was expected to issue a news release this morning announcing the letter of abeyance to the Detroit International Bridge Co., which is owned primarily by Moroun and operates the Ambassador Bridge – the busiest crossing between the U.S. and Canada.
Moroun has been working to secure permits to build a second span adjacent to the 80-year-old Ambassador Bridge while officials on both sides of the Detroit River have been pushing another publicly owned span about a mile downriver.
Ambassador Bridge officials, meanwhile, have said that proposal is an attempt to siphon traffic – and revenues – away from their span, even though they maintain traffic figures don’t warrant a new bridge at all.
The Bridge Company has even filed suit against the federal government, saying its process for an initial approval of the rival span – known as the Detroit River International Crossing or DRIC – was hopelessly flawed.
The Coast Guard abeyance is essentially a stay, and the Bridge Company needs the Coast Guard’s approval to continue work on a second span. At issue apparently is whether the Bridge Company has acquired the necessary property rights for Riverside Park – owned by the city of Detroit – which is impacted by the construction. Another issue involves the MDOT and its concern that work at the Gateway Project linking the bridge to I-75 isn’t proceeding as agreed to by the two parties.
Once those and others issues are worked out, the Bridge Company could ask the Coast Guard for the permit to continue its work, and there were indications today that Bridge Company officials were meeting with the agency. But it also could be a significant hurdle, with the city and the Bridge Company fighting over rights to Riverside Park and roads around the new bridge project.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090615/BUSINESS06/90615036/Coast%20Guard%20tells%20businessman%20to%20halt%20new%20bridge
Updated at 12:17 a.m.
WASHINGTON – The Coast Guard is telling Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel (Matty) Moroun to halt work on a second span, at least until the agency is certain he has all the property rights he needs to build a new bridge and concerns raised by the Michigan Department of Transportation are addressed.
The Coast Guard was expected to issue a news release this morning announcing the letter of abeyance to the Detroit International Bridge Co., which is owned primarily by Moroun and operates the Ambassador Bridge – the busiest crossing between the U.S. and Canada.
Moroun has been working to secure permits to build a second span adjacent to the 80-year-old Ambassador Bridge while officials on both sides of the Detroit River have been pushing another publicly owned span about a mile downriver.
Ambassador Bridge officials, meanwhile, have said that proposal is an attempt to siphon traffic – and revenues – away from their span, even though they maintain traffic figures don’t warrant a new bridge at all.
The Bridge Company has even filed suit against the federal government, saying its process for an initial approval of the rival span – known as the Detroit River International Crossing or DRIC – was hopelessly flawed.
The Coast Guard abeyance is essentially a stay, and the Bridge Company needs the Coast Guard’s approval to continue work on a second span. At issue apparently is whether the Bridge Company has acquired the necessary property rights for Riverside Park – owned by the city of Detroit – which is impacted by the construction. Another issue involves the MDOT and its concern that work at the Gateway Project linking the bridge to I-75 isn’t proceeding as agreed to by the two parties.
Once those and others issues are worked out, the Bridge Company could ask the Coast Guard for the permit to continue its work, and there were indications today that Bridge Company officials were meeting with the agency. But it also could be a significant hurdle, with the city and the Bridge Company fighting over rights to Riverside Park and roads around the new bridge project.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090615/BUSINESS06/90615036/Coast%20Guard%20tells%20businessman%20to%20halt%20new%20bridge
Friday, June 12, 2009
DIBC is trying to take business away from the Truck Ferry
Looks Like DIBC is not that concerned with Homeland security after all....
EXCLUSIVE: Ambassador bridge urges MDOT to lift hazmat limits
06/12/2009
DETROIT -- The privately owned Ambassador Bridge is trying to siphon cross-border hazmat business away from the Detroit Windsor Truck Ferry. But it'll need help from the Michigan government first.
According to documents obtained by the truck ferry's owner Gregg Ward through the Freedom of Information Act, the Detroit International Bridge Company is requesting a change to the National Hazardous Materials Route Registry (NHMRR), to allow certain flammable, corrosive, and explosive materials to cross between Canada and the U.S. via the 75-year-old Ambassador Bridge. Many of those materials are currently barred from the bridge.
FOIA documents also reveal that the State of Michigan initiated a review of the NHMRR earlier this year, which includes reassessing the non-radioactive aspects of the rule. It's unclear, though, where the Ministry of Transport is in the process.
The Windsor Detroit Truck Ferry is the only
transporter allowed to carry hazmat material
across the border. That could change.
Although the Truck Ferry is the only mode designated to transport hazmat trucks across the Detroit River, several media -- including todaystrucking.com -- have reported that the bridge (which has complete autonomy over its own operations) routinely allows such vehicles to cross anyway, via special permit that it writes for select fleets. Some of those passing trucks belong to carriers controlled by the bridge's owner, Matty Moroun.
It appears, then, that the private company is seeking to more openly accommodate all types of hazmat transporters.
According to documents obtained by todaystrucking.com, Ambassador President Dan Stamper wrote to The MDOT last fall officially requesting a change to the NHMRR. He suggested that the state relax restrictions so that they're more in line with allowances given to the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia-Port Huron.
In addition to the security issues "these dangerous trucks would pose" to what is currently the only major span at North America's busiest trade gateway, Ward also points out the "obvious detrimental impact" on his business.
Furthermore, the loss of the truck ferry "would eliminate the primary crossing for very large shipments of oversize, overweight trucks, which are essential in support of manufacturing and energy projects," says Ward. "Repeatedly the ferry has played an important role in keeping manufacturing facilities open when there has been severe delays at the bridge."
Signs in Windsor direct hazmat truckers to the ferry.
Curiously there are few, if any, such signs in Detroit.
Not only would such a move "strengthen the bridge's monopoly on cargo traffic," says Ward, but it would also eliminate any crossing redundancy, which is essential in the event of a major hazmat-related accident or terrorist attack on the privately owned bridge.
"I do not think people really appreciate the danger of allowing Moroun as the owner of a private bridge to be in total control of the border."
Not too long ago, Ward wrote to authorities asking them to do a better job enforcing the hazmat restrictions outlined in the NHMRR.
Officials on both sides of the border promised to investigate, but according to Ward, not much has changed.
EXCLUSIVE: Ambassador bridge urges MDOT to lift hazmat limits
06/12/2009
DETROIT -- The privately owned Ambassador Bridge is trying to siphon cross-border hazmat business away from the Detroit Windsor Truck Ferry. But it'll need help from the Michigan government first.
According to documents obtained by the truck ferry's owner Gregg Ward through the Freedom of Information Act, the Detroit International Bridge Company is requesting a change to the National Hazardous Materials Route Registry (NHMRR), to allow certain flammable, corrosive, and explosive materials to cross between Canada and the U.S. via the 75-year-old Ambassador Bridge. Many of those materials are currently barred from the bridge.
FOIA documents also reveal that the State of Michigan initiated a review of the NHMRR earlier this year, which includes reassessing the non-radioactive aspects of the rule. It's unclear, though, where the Ministry of Transport is in the process.
The Windsor Detroit Truck Ferry is the only
transporter allowed to carry hazmat material
across the border. That could change.
Although the Truck Ferry is the only mode designated to transport hazmat trucks across the Detroit River, several media -- including todaystrucking.com -- have reported that the bridge (which has complete autonomy over its own operations) routinely allows such vehicles to cross anyway, via special permit that it writes for select fleets. Some of those passing trucks belong to carriers controlled by the bridge's owner, Matty Moroun.
It appears, then, that the private company is seeking to more openly accommodate all types of hazmat transporters.
According to documents obtained by todaystrucking.com, Ambassador President Dan Stamper wrote to The MDOT last fall officially requesting a change to the NHMRR. He suggested that the state relax restrictions so that they're more in line with allowances given to the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia-Port Huron.
In addition to the security issues "these dangerous trucks would pose" to what is currently the only major span at North America's busiest trade gateway, Ward also points out the "obvious detrimental impact" on his business.
Furthermore, the loss of the truck ferry "would eliminate the primary crossing for very large shipments of oversize, overweight trucks, which are essential in support of manufacturing and energy projects," says Ward. "Repeatedly the ferry has played an important role in keeping manufacturing facilities open when there has been severe delays at the bridge."
Signs in Windsor direct hazmat truckers to the ferry.
Curiously there are few, if any, such signs in Detroit.
Not only would such a move "strengthen the bridge's monopoly on cargo traffic," says Ward, but it would also eliminate any crossing redundancy, which is essential in the event of a major hazmat-related accident or terrorist attack on the privately owned bridge.
"I do not think people really appreciate the danger of allowing Moroun as the owner of a private bridge to be in total control of the border."
Not too long ago, Ward wrote to authorities asking them to do a better job enforcing the hazmat restrictions outlined in the NHMRR.
Officials on both sides of the border promised to investigate, but according to Ward, not much has changed.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
DIBC Suing feds
WASHINGTON – The owners of the Ambassador Bridge, along with several Detroit groups, filed a lawsuit today challenging the Federal Highway Administration’s approval of a rival span little more than a mile downriver.
In the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., the Detroit International Bridge Co. – owned by trucking magnate Manuel (Matty) Moroun – and the other plaintiffs argued the FHA’s approval violated federal laws, relied on erroneous traffic data and failed to thoroughly examine alternative crossing locations.
Joining the bridge company in the suit were Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development, Citizens with Challenges, the Detroit Association of Black Organizations, MANA de Metro Detroit, the Mexican Patriotic Committee of Detroit and Detroiters for Progress. The suit named the FHA and James Steele, Michigan administrator of the Highway Administrator, as defendants.
Dan Stamper, president of the bridge company, said the approval process “has been a sham from the beginning. Information that did not support the Highway Administration’s goal was systematically ignored or dismissed. … All evidence shows that the DRIC bridge is unnecessary and a massive waste of taxpayer money.”
The fight has been brewing for years: State and federal officials in Canada and the United States have supported the Detroit River International Crossing, or DRIC, which would be a publicly owned second span over the Detroit River. But it would represent a threat to the operations at the Ambassador Bridge, the busiest trade crossing in North America. Moroun wants to build a second span to the bridge, but officials in Canada have balked at the idea.
DRIC’s supporters say traffic volume and security call for another span. But in the suit, the Bridge Company and the others argue that it will not only cost billions in taxpayer dollars but that it will also “inflict disproportionately high and adverse harm on the predominantly-minority residents of the Delray neighborhood of southwest Detroit, waste $250 million of public funding already spent to directly connect the Ambassador Bridge to three interstate highways in Detroit even before that project is complete, and divert a significant majority of existing traffic away from the Ambassador Bridge, a Detroit landmark, to this new and unnecessary bridge.”
Federal highway officials did not immediately respond to word the lawsuit had been filed.
From The Freep Link is now dead so I do not have the link to site this....
In the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., the Detroit International Bridge Co. – owned by trucking magnate Manuel (Matty) Moroun – and the other plaintiffs argued the FHA’s approval violated federal laws, relied on erroneous traffic data and failed to thoroughly examine alternative crossing locations.
Joining the bridge company in the suit were Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development, Citizens with Challenges, the Detroit Association of Black Organizations, MANA de Metro Detroit, the Mexican Patriotic Committee of Detroit and Detroiters for Progress. The suit named the FHA and James Steele, Michigan administrator of the Highway Administrator, as defendants.
Dan Stamper, president of the bridge company, said the approval process “has been a sham from the beginning. Information that did not support the Highway Administration’s goal was systematically ignored or dismissed. … All evidence shows that the DRIC bridge is unnecessary and a massive waste of taxpayer money.”
The fight has been brewing for years: State and federal officials in Canada and the United States have supported the Detroit River International Crossing, or DRIC, which would be a publicly owned second span over the Detroit River. But it would represent a threat to the operations at the Ambassador Bridge, the busiest trade crossing in North America. Moroun wants to build a second span to the bridge, but officials in Canada have balked at the idea.
DRIC’s supporters say traffic volume and security call for another span. But in the suit, the Bridge Company and the others argue that it will not only cost billions in taxpayer dollars but that it will also “inflict disproportionately high and adverse harm on the predominantly-minority residents of the Delray neighborhood of southwest Detroit, waste $250 million of public funding already spent to directly connect the Ambassador Bridge to three interstate highways in Detroit even before that project is complete, and divert a significant majority of existing traffic away from the Ambassador Bridge, a Detroit landmark, to this new and unnecessary bridge.”
Federal highway officials did not immediately respond to word the lawsuit had been filed.
From The Freep Link is now dead so I do not have the link to site this....
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Coast Guard considers suit over second Detroit-Canada bridge
By TODD SPANGLER • FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF • April 17, 2009
Updated at 4:01 p.m.WASHINGTON – The president of the company that owns the Ambassador Bridge says the Coast Guard is being fed disinformation and that concerns a second international span is being built without government approval are unfounded.
Dan Stamper, president of the Detroit International Bridge Co., told the Free Press today he already has responded to a letter from the Coast Guard sent last month in which its top bridge administrator said she was considering legal action against the company for beginning work on a second span without getting a permit. The evidence of that, the letter indicated, was construction of a pier and an approach ramp which would serve the new bridge, which the Ambassador Bridge’s private owner – Manuel (Matty) Moroun – wants to construct adjacent to the existing 80-year-old bridge. But Stamper said today – and in his letter responding to Coast Guard administrator Hala Elgaaly’s concerns – that the pier and the ramp are part of the $230-million Gateway Project already well underway, which was originally designed to improve access to the Ambassador Bridge and accommodate a second span to the existing bridge. “We’re saying they’re mistaken, this is not part of the bridge proper,” said Stamper, who added that it’s “disheartening” that misinformation is being given to the Coast Guard. • PDF: Download the Coast Guard's letter The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest trade crossing in North America, linking Detroit with Windsor, Ontario, its span the most important freight link between the world’s two largest trading partners, the United States and Canada. At present, its operators are fighting to maintain their competitive advantage, however. Federal, state and provincial officials on both sides of the border are supporting what’s known as the Detroit River International Crossing or DRIC – a proposal for a publicly owned second span a little more than a mile downriver from the Ambassador Bridge. (2 of 2)
Its supporters say it would create needed redundancy for a link vital to Michigan and Ontario and provided added capacity. Its detractors – including the operators of the Ambassador Bridge – argue it’s a waste of taxpayer money and that capacity needs, if there are any, will be addressed by the Bridge Company’s plans for a six-lane second span to the exisitng four-lane Ambassador Bridge. The big problem with that, however, is that Canadian officials – particularly those immediately across Detroit River in Windsor – are balking at any plans to improve key access roads to the bridge, saying their community won’t stand for it or the traffic it would create. They’re pushing enthusiastically for the downriver span. There was no word today on the Coast Guard’s reaction to Stamper’s repsonse to the letter. Elgaaly didn’t return calls for comment to the Free Press. A photo in the Free Press on March 29, showed some of the work which already has been done in anticipation of the a new Ambassador Bridge on the American side, including approaches to what would be the new span. At the time, Stamper acknowledged the plazas and approaches had been built, saying, “The only thing left is to connect a dead end in Detroit and a dead end in Canada.” Today, however, he said that’s a far cry from actually beginning work on the bridge proper. In her letter, Elgaaly noted that while the Ambassador Bridge does not require a presidential permit for a new international bridge – Congress gave the Bridge Company the authority to build the existing bridge in 1921 – it doesn’t exempt it from other requirements, like a Coast Guard permit. It’s a point Stamper wouldn’t concede in his response but argued is irrelevant because the pier in question represents the final approach from the already authorized Gateway Project and is 4,000 feet away from the actual second span over the river. That newly constructed ramp may dead end where a new span would begin, said Stamper, but that, too, was considered part of the Gateway Project: “There is some overlap,” he said in the letter, adding, “they were always intended to function together.” Earlier this year, the Coast Guard issued a preliminary finding that the new Ambassador Bridge span would have no significant impact but has yet to finalize that ruling. It was still accepting public comments up until the end of last month. If the Coast Guard were to take legal action, it would be under a section of federal law that states no bridge over the navigable waters of the U.S. can be built or commenced without the transportation secretary signing off on it. Criminal penalties for violation of that section could inlcuded fines of up to $5,000 a month and forcing the “removal of such bridge and accessory works at the expense of the persons owning or controlling such bridge.”
By TODD SPANGLER • FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF • April 17, 2009
Updated at 4:01 p.m.WASHINGTON – The president of the company that owns the Ambassador Bridge says the Coast Guard is being fed disinformation and that concerns a second international span is being built without government approval are unfounded.
Dan Stamper, president of the Detroit International Bridge Co., told the Free Press today he already has responded to a letter from the Coast Guard sent last month in which its top bridge administrator said she was considering legal action against the company for beginning work on a second span without getting a permit. The evidence of that, the letter indicated, was construction of a pier and an approach ramp which would serve the new bridge, which the Ambassador Bridge’s private owner – Manuel (Matty) Moroun – wants to construct adjacent to the existing 80-year-old bridge. But Stamper said today – and in his letter responding to Coast Guard administrator Hala Elgaaly’s concerns – that the pier and the ramp are part of the $230-million Gateway Project already well underway, which was originally designed to improve access to the Ambassador Bridge and accommodate a second span to the existing bridge. “We’re saying they’re mistaken, this is not part of the bridge proper,” said Stamper, who added that it’s “disheartening” that misinformation is being given to the Coast Guard. • PDF: Download the Coast Guard's letter The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest trade crossing in North America, linking Detroit with Windsor, Ontario, its span the most important freight link between the world’s two largest trading partners, the United States and Canada. At present, its operators are fighting to maintain their competitive advantage, however. Federal, state and provincial officials on both sides of the border are supporting what’s known as the Detroit River International Crossing or DRIC – a proposal for a publicly owned second span a little more than a mile downriver from the Ambassador Bridge. (2 of 2)
Its supporters say it would create needed redundancy for a link vital to Michigan and Ontario and provided added capacity. Its detractors – including the operators of the Ambassador Bridge – argue it’s a waste of taxpayer money and that capacity needs, if there are any, will be addressed by the Bridge Company’s plans for a six-lane second span to the exisitng four-lane Ambassador Bridge. The big problem with that, however, is that Canadian officials – particularly those immediately across Detroit River in Windsor – are balking at any plans to improve key access roads to the bridge, saying their community won’t stand for it or the traffic it would create. They’re pushing enthusiastically for the downriver span. There was no word today on the Coast Guard’s reaction to Stamper’s repsonse to the letter. Elgaaly didn’t return calls for comment to the Free Press. A photo in the Free Press on March 29, showed some of the work which already has been done in anticipation of the a new Ambassador Bridge on the American side, including approaches to what would be the new span. At the time, Stamper acknowledged the plazas and approaches had been built, saying, “The only thing left is to connect a dead end in Detroit and a dead end in Canada.” Today, however, he said that’s a far cry from actually beginning work on the bridge proper. In her letter, Elgaaly noted that while the Ambassador Bridge does not require a presidential permit for a new international bridge – Congress gave the Bridge Company the authority to build the existing bridge in 1921 – it doesn’t exempt it from other requirements, like a Coast Guard permit. It’s a point Stamper wouldn’t concede in his response but argued is irrelevant because the pier in question represents the final approach from the already authorized Gateway Project and is 4,000 feet away from the actual second span over the river. That newly constructed ramp may dead end where a new span would begin, said Stamper, but that, too, was considered part of the Gateway Project: “There is some overlap,” he said in the letter, adding, “they were always intended to function together.” Earlier this year, the Coast Guard issued a preliminary finding that the new Ambassador Bridge span would have no significant impact but has yet to finalize that ruling. It was still accepting public comments up until the end of last month. If the Coast Guard were to take legal action, it would be under a section of federal law that states no bridge over the navigable waters of the U.S. can be built or commenced without the transportation secretary signing off on it. Criminal penalties for violation of that section could inlcuded fines of up to $5,000 a month and forcing the “removal of such bridge and accessory works at the expense of the persons owning or controlling such bridge.”
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Dear neighbors and friends,
Below is an editorial submitted by hired Ambassador Bridge Company consultant, Adolph Mongo. He directly attacks the integrity of our community and my work to protect the community from getting shortchanged, yet again, by the Ambassador Bridge Company. No matter which bridge, we should demand 1) a comprehensive environmental impact study, 2) transparency and 3) public discussion of sustainable community benefits that will help revitalize what both bridges plan to destroy and 4) require mitigating measures that protect our human environment be in place before any bridge construction. The DRIC (Delray Bridge) process did include a four-year environmental impact study and monthly public meetings where residents are given an opportunity to oppose, support, ask questions, etc. However, it is important, as many of you know that we carefully monitor the development of the Delray Bridge. Although, the majority of residents are supportive, it’s only because we are given the opportunity to discuss mitigating measures and community benefits. If needs and requests by the community are not met, support for Delray could easily change and we must use that to our advantage. Ironically, his depiction of the Delray Bridge may actually help us fight for more community benefits and protection for those who will be displaced. I urge you all to send in a response to this editorial. I plan to submit mine today.
You can send your letters in a variety of ways:by e-mail: letters@detnews.comby fax: (313) 222-6417by mail: The Detroit News, Letters, Editorial Page, 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226.
Thursday, April 16, 2009 Commentary
Why deny Detroit a real bridge stimulus?
Adolph Mongo
The issue over who will build a new bridge in southwest Detroit is heating up. The Detroit International Bridge Co., the owner of the 80-year-old Ambassador Bridge, wants to build a second span right next to the old bridge that would benefit the city. The bridge company is prepared to invest $1 billion into a development that would generate an estimated more than 4,000 jobs. This would serve Detroit well at a time when the state leads the country in unemployment. In addition, new manufacturing opportunities would be created. But State Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, who represents southwest Detroit, is opposing this stimulus package. She claimed at a March 17 public hearing that a second span would create more pollution problems. She also stacked a Coast Guard public hearing with an array of speakers who supported her agenda. What Tlaib didn't say is that she does support another bridge project. She is behind the Detroit River International Crossing plan. This proposal is also supported by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, former Gov. James Blanchard and former state Rep. Steve Tobacman. Interestingly enough, the DRIC proposal would force 400 homeowners, a few hundred businesses and several parks in Delray to close or relocate. Advocates want the state to pay for the project. Anyone remember the Poletown project of the early 1980s? The city of Detroit forced 5,000 people, several hundred businesses, three schools, 16 churches and one hospital to move for a new GM plant that was built on the Detroit-Hamtramck border. Proponents claimed that a new technology park would emerge from the new plant, and thousands of jobs would be created. Almost 30 years later, a lone plant stands employing one shift and surrounded by a vasty empty wasteland of vacant lots. That scenario could repeat itself if the DRIC is approved. Detroiters should ask Tlaib why she supports a project that would destroy a fourth of her district and seriously erode her voter base. Detroiters should ask Tlaib why she opposes $1 billion in private investment when the state is drowning in red ink. Tlaib's priorities are misguided. Crime, education and unemployment are issues that need to be dealt with. Tlaib is putting politics before common sense.
Adolph Mongo is a Detroit political consultant who is working for the Detroit International Bridge Co.
Below is an editorial submitted by hired Ambassador Bridge Company consultant, Adolph Mongo. He directly attacks the integrity of our community and my work to protect the community from getting shortchanged, yet again, by the Ambassador Bridge Company. No matter which bridge, we should demand 1) a comprehensive environmental impact study, 2) transparency and 3) public discussion of sustainable community benefits that will help revitalize what both bridges plan to destroy and 4) require mitigating measures that protect our human environment be in place before any bridge construction. The DRIC (Delray Bridge) process did include a four-year environmental impact study and monthly public meetings where residents are given an opportunity to oppose, support, ask questions, etc. However, it is important, as many of you know that we carefully monitor the development of the Delray Bridge. Although, the majority of residents are supportive, it’s only because we are given the opportunity to discuss mitigating measures and community benefits. If needs and requests by the community are not met, support for Delray could easily change and we must use that to our advantage. Ironically, his depiction of the Delray Bridge may actually help us fight for more community benefits and protection for those who will be displaced. I urge you all to send in a response to this editorial. I plan to submit mine today.
You can send your letters in a variety of ways:by e-mail: letters@detnews.comby fax: (313) 222-6417by mail: The Detroit News, Letters, Editorial Page, 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226.
Thursday, April 16, 2009 Commentary
Why deny Detroit a real bridge stimulus?
Adolph Mongo
The issue over who will build a new bridge in southwest Detroit is heating up. The Detroit International Bridge Co., the owner of the 80-year-old Ambassador Bridge, wants to build a second span right next to the old bridge that would benefit the city. The bridge company is prepared to invest $1 billion into a development that would generate an estimated more than 4,000 jobs. This would serve Detroit well at a time when the state leads the country in unemployment. In addition, new manufacturing opportunities would be created. But State Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, who represents southwest Detroit, is opposing this stimulus package. She claimed at a March 17 public hearing that a second span would create more pollution problems. She also stacked a Coast Guard public hearing with an array of speakers who supported her agenda. What Tlaib didn't say is that she does support another bridge project. She is behind the Detroit River International Crossing plan. This proposal is also supported by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, former Gov. James Blanchard and former state Rep. Steve Tobacman. Interestingly enough, the DRIC proposal would force 400 homeowners, a few hundred businesses and several parks in Delray to close or relocate. Advocates want the state to pay for the project. Anyone remember the Poletown project of the early 1980s? The city of Detroit forced 5,000 people, several hundred businesses, three schools, 16 churches and one hospital to move for a new GM plant that was built on the Detroit-Hamtramck border. Proponents claimed that a new technology park would emerge from the new plant, and thousands of jobs would be created. Almost 30 years later, a lone plant stands employing one shift and surrounded by a vasty empty wasteland of vacant lots. That scenario could repeat itself if the DRIC is approved. Detroiters should ask Tlaib why she supports a project that would destroy a fourth of her district and seriously erode her voter base. Detroiters should ask Tlaib why she opposes $1 billion in private investment when the state is drowning in red ink. Tlaib's priorities are misguided. Crime, education and unemployment are issues that need to be dealt with. Tlaib is putting politics before common sense.
Adolph Mongo is a Detroit political consultant who is working for the Detroit International Bridge Co.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Council Wants EIS!
Today City council Voted 7-0 in favor of submitting comments saying that the council would like an EIS done... Rep. Tlaib (Rashida) wanted to extend a special thanks to those who came to council, showed their support and poured their souls out! It worked! Congrats to all, but our work is far from over because as we all know we have one of the worst neighbors in the country in the bridge and we have yet to get word on a final decision from the Coast Guard on an EIS... Hopefully word will come our way soon. Keep demanding more from our city and hopefully we will continue to see the fruits of our labor.
Cheers,
Joe Rashid
Cheers,
Joe Rashid
Monday, April 6, 2009
Moroun tries to sink rival bridge -- with help from Detroitcongresswoman
By TODD SPANGLER • FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF • April 6, 2009
WASHINGTON — Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel (Matty) Moroun wants toforbid federal spending on a rival Detroit River bridge project, andasked U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick to write the ban into nextyear’s federal budget.Advertisement
The Detroit International Bridge Co. he controls asked U.S. Rep. CarolynCheeks Kilpatrick, a Detroit Democrat who is the state’s sole member onthe budget-writing House Appropriations Committee, to block funding fora proposed bridge near Zug Island that federal transportation officials,the state of Michigan and supporters in Canada are backing.
Moroun hopes to build a replacement span next to the 80-year-oldAmbassador Bridge, the busiest trade crossing in North America, but isrunning into stiff opposition on the Canadian side of the border.
Kilpatrick posted the request on her Web site on Monday, one of dozensof requests for earmarks — items that go into the federal budget whichare introduced by individual members of Congress and typically call forspending on projects, not prohibiting it. What was unclear was whethershe had forwarded it onto the Appropriations Committee for inclusion innext year’s budget.
Since 1998, Kilpatrick has received more than $64,000 from Moroun andhis allies and she has called into question the need for the othercrossing in the past. Both the Ambassador Bridge and the proposed newspan about 1½ miles downriver are in her district.
State officials expected about $8 million in federal funds for theproject next year.
By TODD SPANGLER • FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF • April 6, 2009
WASHINGTON — Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel (Matty) Moroun wants toforbid federal spending on a rival Detroit River bridge project, andasked U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick to write the ban into nextyear’s federal budget.Advertisement
The Detroit International Bridge Co. he controls asked U.S. Rep. CarolynCheeks Kilpatrick, a Detroit Democrat who is the state’s sole member onthe budget-writing House Appropriations Committee, to block funding fora proposed bridge near Zug Island that federal transportation officials,the state of Michigan and supporters in Canada are backing.
Moroun hopes to build a replacement span next to the 80-year-oldAmbassador Bridge, the busiest trade crossing in North America, but isrunning into stiff opposition on the Canadian side of the border.
Kilpatrick posted the request on her Web site on Monday, one of dozensof requests for earmarks — items that go into the federal budget whichare introduced by individual members of Congress and typically call forspending on projects, not prohibiting it. What was unclear was whethershe had forwarded it onto the Appropriations Committee for inclusion innext year’s budget.
Since 1998, Kilpatrick has received more than $64,000 from Moroun andhis allies and she has called into question the need for the othercrossing in the past. Both the Ambassador Bridge and the proposed newspan about 1½ miles downriver are in her district.
State officials expected about $8 million in federal funds for theproject next year.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Input sought on new 6-lane bridge next to Ambassador
FREE PRESS STAFF
The Detroit City Council is to hold a hearing at noon April 13 to get public comments on the proposed construction of a 6-lane bridge span next to the Ambassador Bridge.
Residents and council members want the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct an environmental and traffic impact study of the plan.
The council also met with city attorneys and planning officials in a closed meeting Tuesday to discuss pending litigation involving the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit International Bridge Co.
The litigation involves the bridge company's apparent seizure of Riverside Park in southwest Detroit without the city's permission.
The Detroit City Council is to hold a hearing at noon April 13 to get public comments on the proposed construction of a 6-lane bridge span next to the Ambassador Bridge.
Residents and council members want the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct an environmental and traffic impact study of the plan.
The council also met with city attorneys and planning officials in a closed meeting Tuesday to discuss pending litigation involving the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit International Bridge Co.
The litigation involves the bridge company's apparent seizure of Riverside Park in southwest Detroit without the city's permission.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
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