No money in Obama’s budget plan to build customs plaza for US-Canada bridge

DETROIT – U.S. President Barack Obama has failed to put money in his federal budget proposal for a customs plaza on the Detroit side of a planned $3.5 billion bridge between the city and Canada.

Obama sent his $3.9 trillion fiscal 2015 budget to Congress on Tuesday, but it doesn’t include the $250 million cost of a border inspection plaza.

The plaza is a vital part of the planned New International Trade Crossing to link Detroit to Windsor, Ont.

The Canadian government is funding most of the bridge, expected to open in 2020.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Gary Peters calls the decision not to fund the plaza a “grave mistake.”

New International Trade Crossing coalition spokesman Tom Shields says the full $250 million isn’t needed in one year but can be spread over several years.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.