Blue Water Bridge plaza project has a new, revised look
Contact:
Janet Foran 517-335-7176
Agency:
Transportation
June 12, 2008 -- The footprint of the Blue Water Bridge plaza project has been reduced to approximately 57 acres, 8 acres less than previously proposed. The revisions were made in response to more than 1,000 questions and concerns submitted on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) by the public last fall. The news was announced today by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), working cooperatively with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
"We worked with our federal partners on this project, consulted with all the local agencies involved, listened to the community's concerns, and as a result, have been able to reduce the impact of the Blue Water Bridge plaza project on the city of Port Huron," said Matt Webb, MDOT project manager. "We believe this revised plaza layout provides CBP with the necessary space and facilities to complete its core mission on the plaza, which is protecting our nation's borders against terrorists, while fostering the nation's economic security through lawful international trade and travel."
"The revised plaza layout also provides both CBP and MDOT with the flexibility to accommodate future growth at the Port Huron border crossing," he said.
The revised plans, part of the "City West Recommended Alternative," call for a significant reduction in truck parking spaces within the secondary inspection site (from 100 to 36 spaces), removing the customs brokers from the plaza site, shifting the location of MDOT toll operations, reducing the space needed to complete outbound inspections, and removing other office space from the plaza.
Because of this 8-acre reduction, 21 residences and four businesses may not be included in the project. The project area that is affected is roughly bordered by 10th Avenue to the east, Hancock Street to the north, M-25 connector to the west, and Pine Grove Avenue/Scott Avenue to the south.
"We will continue to work with the city, St. Clair County, and Port Huron Township officials, as well as community residents, to respond to all comments received on the DEIS, and to develop appropriate mitigation measures to offset the impacts of the project," said Webb.
If residents seek additional information about the changes, or any aspect of the Blue Water Bridge project, they can contact MDOT using the toll-free project hotline, 800-955-3515; or meet with the project staff at the MDOT Port Huron Transportation Service Center.
MDOT staff is available at this location every first and third Friday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are recommended, but not required.
A detailed map of the new outline of the project can be viewed on the MDOT Web site at www.michigan.gov/bluewaterbridgeproject, select "Blue Water Bridge Border Plaza Reconstruction," and click on "Alternatives Under Consideration" and select the map under "City West (Recommended) Alternative."
All responses to comments received on the DEIS, as well as a detailed overview of the impacts and proposed mitigation measures, will be contained with the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Issuance of the FEIS has been moved from summer 2008 to winter 2008-09. A "Record of Decision," or final approval of the project from the Federal Highway Administration, now is anticipated in early 2009. That approval is needed before federal funds can be used for design or right-of-way acquisition phases.
Protect Michigan families: Where Workers Present Drive 45! - A message from MDOT and Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition
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