LANSING, Mich. – A draft bill that allows construction of a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor was released by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s office, but it ensures that taxpayers won’t be on the hook for the state’s cost of the bridge.

The 35-page draft bill states that Canada’s offer to fund Michigan’s $550-million share of the span won’t be repaid by tax dollars, but by collected tolls and private builders instead.

"An agreement … relating to a Canadian contribution shall not impose any obligation on the department, the authority, this state, or a political subdivision of this state to repay the Canadian contribution from revenues other than project revenue and project contributions (from the federal government)," the draft bill says.

A formal bill could be introduced in the Legislature this week.

There has been some discussion among opponents of the bridge whether Ottawa would honor its $550-million offer after the federal election May 2.

Although the offer was made by former Canadian Transport Minister John Baird, the bridge project is supported by all three parties at the federal level as well as most Windsor-area legislators at the municipal and provincial level.

While the project is backed by most business groups in Michigan, Manuel "Matty" Moroun, owner of the private Ambassador Bridge, has waged an ongoing legal and political battle to get the bridge scrapped.

This week a new anti-DRIC group entered the fray.

Americans for Prosperity-Michigan, an advocacy group for limited government, launched a radio and mail campaign against the proposed crossing.

The group insists the project will eventually be subsidized by Michigan taxpayers if tolls are inadequate to cover the loan from Canada.

The draft bill also states that responsibility for the bridge will rest with an approved bridge authority, which, with its Canadian counterpart, will choose a private builder to design, build and operate the bridge for up to 50 years.

It would also require security and disaster contingency plans from the operator and prohibit government from taxing the bridge.