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On this week\u2019s edition of Talking Michigan Transportation, Jeff talks with Andy Doctoroff, the governor\u2019s point person on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, about a significant Michigan Court of Appeals ruling related to the project. Later, Mark Butler, director of communications for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), talks about last week\u2019s Community Organization Investment (COI) announcement.

First, in a unanimous decision published June 18, the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling in rejecting the Detroit International Bridge Co.\u2019s challenges to the agreement that allows MDOT to work with the Canadian government to build the bridge.

Gov. Whitmer praised the ruling.

"We are very pleased that yet another court, this time the Michigan Court of Appeals, has affirmed the agreement between Canada and Michigan to build this vital bridge,\u201d the governor said in a statement. \u201cThis emphatic ruling means progress will continue on a project that is spurring growth and creating good-paying jobs in Detroit, Windsor and across the region.\u201d

Community benefits

Last week, the WDBA announced recipients for July 2020 COI funding. Butler explains why community benefits are an important part of the work to build the bridge and the WDBA\u2019s ongoing commitment to the residents, businesses and community organizations on both sides of the border. He also affirms the commitment to opening the bridge in late 2024.

This year\u2019s COI recipients will receive funding in July 2020. The projects include:

\u2022 Sandwich First Baptist Church: Sandwich Underground Railroad Freedom Museum
\u2022 Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Windsor Essex Central Council: Helping Hands Friendship Centre
\u2022 Friends of the Court: Spreading Our Roots
\u2022 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex: Big Neighbourhood \u2013 Sandwich
\u2022 Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA): Binational Detroit River Cleanup
\u2022 Les Amis Duff-B\xe2by: Grand Opening Event - Duff-B\xe2by Mansion
\u2022 West Vernor & Springwells Business Improvement District (BID): The Bid Is Open for Business!
\u2022 Bridging Communities, Inc.: Southwest Expanded Seniors Services
\u2022 Ste. Anne de Detroit Catholic Church (Food Pantry): Food Pantry Equipment and Replacement Expansion Program