1. Bridge Expansion Feasibility Group

2. Purpose Our group is an independent coalition striving to provide objective information on the expansion of the Ambassador Bridge. Our group is an independent coalition striving to provide objective information on the expansion of the Ambassador Bridge. Our goal is to inform the general public of the facts involved with the project, thereby allowing open, honest debate of the intended bridge construction. Our goal is to inform the general public of the facts involved with the project, thereby allowing open, honest debate of the intended bridge construction.

3. Group Structure Ryan G. Todd: Background, finance, and political Sheena Sharma: Legal aspects Mike Peres: Environmental and Heritage aspects Chris Lepain: Alternatives, recommendations, conclusion Faisal Rehman: Information tech., technical aspects

4. Background Ambassador Bridge privately owned by Manuel “Matty” Moroun. Ambassador Bridge privately owned by Manuel “Matty” Moroun. Originally built in 1929. Originally built in 1929. Busiest commercial crossing in North America, moving nearly $100 billion annually across the border. Busiest commercial crossing in North America, moving nearly $100 billion annually across the border. Heavy traffic flow in late 90’s spurred the need for additional span. Heavy traffic flow in late 90’s spurred the need for additional span. Current traffic flow is reduced, but will eventually grow. Current traffic flow is reduced, but will eventually grow. New, 6-lane span intended to built directly adjacent to existing bridge with dedicated truck traffic intended. New, 6-lane span intended to built directly adjacent to existing bridge with dedicated truck traffic intended. Bridge will cost approximately 1 billion dollars and is privately funded. Bridge will cost approximately 1 billion dollars and is privately funded.

5. Feasibility Factors Environmental Environmental Financial Financial Heritage Heritage Legal Legal Alternatives Alternatives Political issues Political issues

6. Michael Peres Environmental Advantages Environmental Advantages - Decreased Air pollution -> No traffic lights and more lanes - Less Emissions - No Ecosystems effected Human Health - No effect - Ware and tare on streets - Urban Dumping

7. Sheena Sharma Legal Issues Lawsuits -Fail to follow federal guidelines -racial and income discrimination

8. Christine Lepain DRTP - Detroit River Tunnel Partnership Created 6 weeks after 9/11 Created 6 weeks after 9/11 Partnership between the Canadian Pacific Railway and a subsidiary of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System pensionPartnership between the Canadian Pacific Railway and a subsidiary of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System pension Convert an existing 100-year-old train tunnel into a truck throughway and bore another tunnel downriver for the displaced trainsConvert an existing 100-year-old train tunnel into a truck throughway and bore another tunnel downriver for the displaced trains The government would have paid $170 million and the remaining $430 million would have been privately fundedThe government would have paid $170 million and the remaining $430 million would have been privately funded Idea was scrapped becauseIdea was scrapped because 1.It would have required a 6-lane feeder road which would have had a major impact on numerous urban communities 2.It was determined that it still would not have served the long-term demand. Alternatives

9. DRIC - Detroit River International Crossing Supported by opponents of the Ambassador Bridge Twin-span.Supported by opponents of the Ambassador Bridge Twin-span. Crossing would connect the Detroit Delray neighborhood north of Zug Island to an area on the Canadian side located between the Canadian Salt Mine Company and the Brighton Beach Power Plant.Crossing would connect the Detroit Delray neighborhood north of Zug Island to an area on the Canadian side located between the Canadian Salt Mine Company and the Brighton Beach Power Plant. Publicly funded and will cost between 1.5 and 3 billion dollars to construct.Publicly funded and will cost between 1.5 and 3 billion dollars to construct.

10. Although there is some strong political opposition to the Ambassador Bridge Twin-span, it has been determined that Manuel, Matty, Maroun should be allowed to continue with the expansion. The facts presented prove that the Twin-span will not have a detrimental impact upon the environment, it will adequately accommodate the expected traffic volume increases and it is the more financially viable option for the taxpayers.

11. The Video http://www.ambassadorbridge.com/ads/bridge.html

12. Questions ?