The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority recently announced a comprehensive Community Benefits Plan for the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project.
The Community Benefits Plan, and the entirety of the bridge project, is being financed by Canada.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge is yet another historic example of what we can accomplish when we work together to find a solution that benefits everyone,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “We all know that the communities on each side of the border will be a strong anchor point for this project, which is why this announcement today to invest in these areas is so critical. This is a real opportunity to create thousands and thousands of jobs and strengthen our economic ties with our neighbors to drive growth in the surrounding communities for generations to come.”
As to specifics, the plan is broken down into two areas: workforce development and participation strategy, as well as a neighborhood infrastructure strategy.
The workforce side of the plan calls for employment opportunities, such as the installation of a regional small business purchase protocol, partnerships with local workforce development agencies focused on local job growth and training, support for pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, and outreach efforts for a host of communities, including indigenous women, students and youth. More than 40 partners are participating in this aspect of the plan.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan is uniquely ambitious and is a result of significant community consultation held over a four-year period,” Bryce Phillips, CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, said. “The plan’s initiatives are designed so that the people located most directly adjacent to the Gordie Howe International Bridge project will be among its truest beneficiaries. The Community Benefits Plan will help to create jobs and better local communities.”
The plan also includes the Neighborhood Infrastructure Strategy — a direct community investment of $20 million (CDN) into 30 initiatives. Some of these funds will go to things like aesthetics and landscaping ($8.1 million), others for community safety and connection ($3.5 million), community partnerships ($2.2 million) or economic benefits ($1.2 million), among others.
The development has been a collaboration between the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, the private organization Bridging North America, as well as the governments of Michigan and Canada. A local community group will also operate as their informal partners during the implementation of the Community Benefits Plan.