An extensive environmental study completed as part of the Detroit River International Crossing study in 2005-2009 identified the properties that would be required for the construction of the US Port of Entry, the required Gordie Howe International Bridge foundations and the Michigan Interchange.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for all property acquisitions in the US with oversight from WDBA.
Acquisition is being completed in co-ordination with a Land Acquisition Consultant and Special Assistant Attorneys General (SAAGs) for properties that are anticipated to proceed through condemnation (expropriation).
Property acquisition is a complex process; transfer of ownership/rights to a public agency for public use must follow Michigan State laws and precedents.
In June 2015, MDOT held a series of information sessions in the Delray community for residential property owners and tenants within the Project footprint. The sessions provided an opportunity for property owners to meet one-on-one with MDOT acquisition agents to discuss individual needs.
These discussions were an important step in the continued progress toward the construction of the bridge. More importantly, the discussions helped increase knowledge of the process for property owners and tenants located within the identified locations of the bridge and US Port of Entry.
MDOT will continue to acquire property within the Project footprint based on federal and state law, with appraisals based on fair market value.
For more information about the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project visit www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WDBAbridge, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WDBAbridge and connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/wdba-apwd.
