DETROIT — Not even the U.S. federal government is going to stand in the way of the private Ambassador Bridge’s plan to build a twin span across the Detroit River.

Local media reports that Detroit International Bridge Company President Dan Stamper insists the bridge is still committed to building a six-lane crossing even though the U.S. Coast Guard terminated the (DIBC) bridge permit application.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it returned the permit application to the bridge company because land rights where part of the construction would take place still belong to Detroit.

As Stamper announced a deck replacement to the current structure last Friday, he insisted the company has secured 95 percent of all necessary property rights in addition to having completed the necessary plazas and inspection areas.

"We feel no farther away from building a second span and fulfilling our long-term obligation to the border," Stamper was quoted by the Windsor Star.

Earlier last month, a Wayne County Circuit Court Judge ordered DIBC to demolish a duty-free shop, gas pumps, and toll booths built on what he ruled was still city-owned property.

DIBC lawyers have appealed that decision.