LANSING, Mich. — A new bill that greenlights construction of a second Detroit-Windsor bridge was introduced in the Michigan Senate.

According to the media reports, the legislation sets up a state bridge authority to oversee Michigan’s portion of the project.

It prevents the state from taking on any debt related to the project.

The Canadian government has already offered to cover cash-strapped Michigan’s estimated $550 million share of the bridge in return for legislative approval.

Tolls would eventually repay Canada and a private-sector contractor.

The bill is being sponsored by majority Leader Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, who is backing the bill because the $550 million could qualify for matching federal funds for other road projects.

Republican governor Rick Snyder also supports the project, but the challenge is getting the bill past the rest of the state Senate, which includes many members that oppose the new international bridge.