Detroit, Michigan: The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Delray Home Improvement Program. Through the $4 million (CDN) program, funded by the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan, repairs were delivered to 106 residences in Southwest Detroit at no cost to the homeowners.
The Delray Home Improvement Program provided eligible residences with up to $20,000 (USD) in select repairs, improvements or replacements. The program was developed through several years of consultation and feedback from service organizations, local elected officials and residents of the Delray/Southwest Detroit community.
Launched in 2021, the program was carried out in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Detroit (LISC Detroit). The improvements completed in the 106 residences included:
- 55 roof repairs/replacements
- 44 HVAC improvements
- 19 door replacements
- 61 window replacements.
Funding was provided through the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy of the Community Benefits Plan, a $23 million (CDN) direct investment that features more than 50 initiatives implemented in Delay/Southwest Detroit and Sandwich/west Windsor during the Gordie Howe International Bridge construction period.
Quotes
“Resident engagement is a cornerstone of the project’s Community Benefits Plan, and the inclusion of the Delray Home Improvement Program reflects this commitment. We are proud of the initiative’s results, which are helping to increase safety, efficiency and comfort for homeowners at no cost to them.”
- Charl van Niekerk, Chief Executive Officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA)
“BNA is extremely pleased to celebrate the completion of the Delray Home Improvement Program. Repairing over 100 homes in the Southwest Detroit area was a massive undertaking and this achievement required significant teamwork between LISC and their construction managers. BNA is very proud of working together to deliver substantial home improvements for the local residents.”
- David Henderson, Chief Executive Officer, Bridging North America (BNA)
"We remain very appreciative of the support and patience of Southwest Detroit residents who live in the footprint of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. We are grateful for the ongoing commitment from WDBA and BNA to fund home repairs and many other neighborhood improvements.”
"We know home repair is a critical need in Detroit, with an estimated gap of over $4 billion. This gap puts strain on resident safety through unsafe living conditions, affecting quality of life for homeowners. We have been privileged to serve the residents in Delay and Southwest Detroit through this program and look to continue this much needed work into the future.”
Quick Facts
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan is being delivered by Bridging North America with collaboration and oversight from Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the State of Michigan.
- Since 2019, the project team has partnered with over 80 US and Canadian organizations to deliver the two components of the Community Benefits Plan - the Workforce Development and Participation Strategy and Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy.
- The Delray Home Improvement Program was administered by LISC Detroit who oversaw construction management services performed by Bridging Communities, Inc. (BCI) and VE Properties and Developments, LLC (VEP&D) and qualified subcontractors.
- The Delray Home Improvement Program represents the single largest investment in the Community Benefits Plan and the highest value Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy initiative delivered in Southwest Detroit.
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About Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation created to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI through a public- private partnership (P3). WDBA is responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new crossing. For more information on WDBA visit GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com and follow the project on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GordieHoweBridge
About Bridging North America
Bridging North America (BNA) became the private-sector partner to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project in September 2018. BNA is comprised of some of the most recognized leaders in the construction and infrastructure industry which includes North American and international companies. BNA partners have significant experience carrying out major infrastructure projects such as the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway in Windsor, Ontario; New Champlain Bridge Corridor in Montreal, Quebec; Autoroute 30 in Montreal, Quebec; Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto, Ontario; Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) in Montreal, Quebec; Automated People Mover at LAX Airport, California; Harbor Bridge, Corpus Christi, Texas; Tappan Zee Bridge in New York and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, California.
About Michigan Department of Transportation
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for Michigan's 9,669-mile state highway system, comprised of all M, I, and US routes. MDOT also administers other state and federal transportation programs for aviation, intercity passenger services, rail freight, local public transit services, the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF), and others. MDOT works directly with WDBA on the US components of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
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Gordie Howe International Bridge
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