WINDSOR, Ont. — Following a speech to the Detroit Economic Club and a meeting with Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, Canadian Transport Minister John Baird issued a statement reaffirming his support for a government-backed second crossing at Detroit-Windsor.

“The Windsor-Detroit corridor is the busiest commercial land border crossing in North America, and building a new bridge will be one of the most important projects in history for enhancing trade between Canada and the United States,” Baird said. “The Government of Canada is fully dedicated to the Windsor-Detroit bridge project, along with our partners. We want the State of Michigan to be fully ready too. To show our support for the project, I recently announced a funding commitment from the Government of Canada of up to a maximum of US$550 million to help jumpstart projects on the Michigan side of the border, such as an interchange and a toll plaza. This is in addition to the funding we have committed for projects on the Ontario side of the border, which are now progressing.”

Baird went on to say building the crossing could create 30,000 jobs in the Windsor and Detroit areas while increasing border capacity to manage future trade and travel growth.

“This is the only crossing proposal to have consulted as widely as it has and it is the only proposal to have environmental approvals from both countries,” Baird added. “I am confident that the Michigan Legislature will make the right choice and that together, we will get the job done. Together, let’s continue to build upon the strongest trading relationship in the world. Let’s continue to build jobs, grow trade and attract new investment. Let’s continue to build for the future.”