Detroit, Michigan • The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team continues to deliver on its commitment to enhance Sandwich/west Windsor and Delray/Southwest Detroit with 13 new projects, representing $2.6 million (CDN) of the Community Benefits Plan.
The six initiatives in Windsor and seven initiatives in Detroit are divided among the following community priority areas:
- $250,000 towards local history and culture
- $1.25 million toward community safety
- $540,000 toward green initiatives
- $250,000 toward food security
- $250,000 toward wellness
- $100,000 toward community partnerships.
Funding is provided through the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy, a $23 million (CDN) direct investment on both sides of the border, informed through extensive community feedback. Public consultation undertaken in 2023 helped identify current community priorities, and a subsequent Call for Proposals. Details on the new initiatives, which will be delivered over 2024-2025, are available at GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com.
Also, an initiative previously identified in the Community Benefits Plan to invest in adjacent trail connections in Southwest Detroit has moved forward through a partnership with the City of Detroit. In 2024, the community will see cycling infrastructure added to Jefferson Avenue and Clark Street, facilitating a connection between the Gordie Howe International Bridge multi-use path and the City of Detroit’s Joe Louis Greenway.
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.
QUOTES
“The project team continues to listen to key stakeholders and communities on both sides of the border to ensure that meaningful investments occur. I am confident that these new projects will have a lasting impact on the communities of Sandwich and Delray and will complement many of the other initiatives underway through the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan.”
- Charl van Niekerk, CEO, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
“After completing important community consultation in 2023, the Community Benefits team is proud to announce another large allocation of funds for new initiatives and new funding partners. We look forward to the seeing the positive results made by our local partners on both sides of the border.”
- David Henderson, Interim CEO, Bridging North America
“Today’s announcement of thirteen projects being funded through the Community Benefits Plan highlights the meaningful contribution that the Gordie Howe International Bridge project team continues to make working in partnership with local communities. Investments like the ones unveiled today are vital to creating vibrant, active communities for years to come.”
- Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Windsor—Tecumseh, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“These announcements underscore the commitment from the WDBA and MDOT to ensuring that this great bridge provides quality of life enhancements for the citizens of Michigan beyond the addition of a game-changing modern border crossing. I’m especially pleased that our partners in Canada are prioritizing safety, green measures and more cycling and pedestrian connections.”
- Bradley C. Wieferich, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation
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.
- The Community Benefits Plan launched in 2019, with $20 million (CDN) in funding through the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy.
- In 2024, WDBA extended the five-year Plan with an additional year and $3 million (CDN) to be split between the two host communities. The Plan’s total investment is now $23 million (CDN), with delivery running into 2026.
- As of 2024, the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy is comprised of 51 unique initiatives focused toward the communities of Sandwich/west Windsor and Delray/Southwest Detroit.
- Following the 2024 release of $2.6 million, $5.5 million (CDN) remains to be allocated prior to the end of the Plan.
RELEVANT LINKS
- 2024 Community Benefits Plan New Initiatives
- Backgrounder: Supportive Statements
- 9 Things to Know About the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy
- Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy Progress Highlights
- Community Benefits Quarterly Report Fall 2023
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.
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
Media Relations Team
226-757-1716
