The True Facts About the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) with guest Dr. Roy Norton Consul
Channel: Brand Echo Media Solutions
Date: 2012-10-30

With Armando Ojeda, Executive Director, MHCC and Dr. Roy Norton, Consul General of Canada

A genuine discussion explaining how the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) is a "win-win" and the opposition to the November 6 ballot for Proposal 6.

- Who Pays for Construction
- The Many Benefits the New Bridge Offers
- Jobs Created with Construction of the NITC

THE FACTS:
 
1 in 8 Southeast Michigan jobs depend on trade with more than 237,000 Michigan jobs depending on Canada-Michigan trade.
Canada is Michigan's largest trading partner with more than $70.2 billion in trade in 2011.
Michigan taxpayers have no monetary obligation toward the creation of the NITC.
Windsor-Detroit truck traffic is projected to increase by 128% over the next 30 years.
 
MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS:
 
Myth #1: Michigan taxpayers will have to pay for the NITC. Fact: The Canadian government, not Michigan taxpayers, will pay for Michigan's $550 million share of the bridge costs, to be paid back in tolls. The Canadian government will also pay that share should the tolls be insufficient.
 
Myth #2: The Bridge is being paid for with money that could go to education and or public works.
Fact: The Canadian government is covering Michigan's share of the bridge costs, meaning state dollars used for education are not being used to pay for the Bridge. The agreement with Canada allows for a federal match of Michigan's share of the total cost, which ultimately lessens pressure on lawmakers to appropriate money from the state general fund, which can help to support police, fire and education costs.
 
Myth #3: A new bridge isn't necessary.
Fact: The Ambassador Bridge is a narrow, 83 year-old bridge with no direct freeway-to-freeway connection and more than 8,000 trucks crossing daily. The new Bridge is key to helping Michigan progress as a major player in the global economy by better connecting Michigan and the U.S. with the $524 billion in trade passing between the U.S. and Canada annually.
 
Myth #4: The NITC is bad for Michigan.
Fact: Building the NITC will create between 10,000 and 15,000 construction jobs and thousands of additional indirect jobs without any cost to Michigan taxpayers.

A vote for business means; voting NO on Proposal 6.