84-year-old billionaire bridge owner jailed

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WINDSOR, Ont. — Ambassador Bridge owner and billionaire Manuel “Matty” Moroun has been jailed for contempt of court.

The 84-year-old executive was put in jail Thursday for failing to complete court-ordered roadwork on the US side of the bridge – which connects Detroit and Windsor – to the court’s satisfaction, according to a report from The Journal of Commerce. Detroit International Bridge president Dan Stamper was also put behind bars, having been jailed a year ago in the same case.

Last February, Wayne County Circuit Judge Prentis Edwards ruled the bridge company had not carried out its end of a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to complete the $230 million Ambassador Gateway Project. The bridge company was to build a ramp over city streets that provided direct access to the bridge from I-75 and I-96 on the southwest side of Detroit, according to the JOC report.

MDOT sued, arguing that DIBC’s ramp was intended to be the approach for a second Detroit River bridge adjacent to the Ambassador: the $5.3 billion New International Trade Crossing.

Over the past two years, Moroun and his family have fought to block construction of the second bridge, having proposed a privately-owned twin span instead.

Moroun argued last week that he should be excused from yesterday’s court appearance, stating the bridge was owned by a holding company composed of family members. He is likely to stay behind bars for a few days until an appeal can be made, according to the report.

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  • FINALLY…how many of us have been held up for years at the bridge and surronding areas, so he can improve HIS BOTTOM LINE..they should charge him as an economic terrorist!!!Lets hope there is a class action lawsuit with his name on it. The only way to REALLY punish him is to take his cash!!!