“The DRGAC is a perfect example of the kind of results-oriented partnership that will move Michigan forward,” said Governor Jennifer Granholm. “This collaboration between state and local governments and the private sector targets investment that supports global events like the Super Bowl, international trade across our border with Canada, and cool cities that attract and retain the high-skill, high-wage workers of the twenty-first century.”

Slated for construction beginning in 2004, the Gateway Bridge will be a modified tied-arch structure built to carry I-94 traffic over US-24 (Telegraph Road) within a new Single Point Urban Interchange design. This icon structure will serve as a focal point for an ongoing program to improve the appearance and safety of the high profile corridor between Detroit Metropolitan Airport and downtown Detroit.

The unveiling of the Gateway Bridge project is the most recent and visible evidence of the working partnership between the public and private sectors that began in October 2002 when Yost, Chairman and CEO of ArvinMeritor Inc, announced the formation of the DRGAC.

A longtime champion for economic revitalization, Yost called on leading executives from private businesses to join him in spearheading efforts by state and local governments to enhance the I-94 corridor.

"Establishing a positive working relationship between the private and public sector to accomplish these tasks that improve our city is critical to the ongoing economic success of the region," Yost said. "With visitors from all over the world coming to Detroit, we must do everything possible to create a vital and welcoming environment that will encourage them to consider Michigan as an exceptional place to live and do business."

DRGAC was initially charged with raising $1.5 million from the private sector through Detroit Renaissance, which will be supplemented by a more than $7 million commitment from the State of Michigan. It is also the council's responsibility to encourage business and property owners along I-94 to undertake complementary beautification projects. Masco Corporation, one of the world's leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products, and headquartered in Taylor, is the first company along the corridor to join in the effort.

“We are excited about working with the DRGAC and our involvement in this important cooperative effort that improves our transportation system and the region’s image," said State Transportation Director Jeff. "We're strengthening state and local partnerships, including those in the private sector. We hope it will serve as a future model for Michigan."

The efforts of the partnership complement the multi-year MDOT program to improve the pavement and bridges along I-94 in Wayne County. Repair work this summer includes the resurfacing of eastbound and westbound I-94 between Beech Daly and Wayne Roads.

To date, the partnership has accomplished the following:

• Enhancement work on eight bridges between the M-39 interchange in Allen Park and the Brooklyn Street overpass in Detroit is underway with the project expected to be completed in fall 2003.
• Bids are open on the Merriman Road Interchange Landscaping project which will include a newly constructed Welcome Sign and significant landscaping improvements.
• Final design work is expected to be completed on a Cobo Tunnel beautification and lighting project for M-10 (Lodge Freeway) underneath Cobo Hall, the Woodlands landscaping project on I-94 near Beech Daly, and the I-94/US-24 interchange. Bid openings for these projects are expected in December 2003 and early 2004, with work scheduled to begin in spring 2004.
• Achieved support of Masco Inc. to align company landscaping with I-94 landscape improvements.
• Securing funds for Cobo Tunnel lighting.
• Partnered with MDOT to secure improved landscaping and lighting to enhance Detroit area image between Detroit Metropolitan Airport and downtown.
• Supported design and creation of Gateway Bridge on I-94 at Telegraph Road in Taylor.

"This stretch of I-94 carries millions of visitors from Detroit Metro Airport into
downtown," said Larry Alexander, President and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Anything we can do to enhance both its appearance and ease of use is a step in the right direction."

As part of the partnership agreement signed in October 2002, Wayne County and the City
of Detroit have committed a combined total of $250,000 a year to maintain the beautification improvements being implemented by MDOT and the partnership.

"The partnership between local and state government and the business and tourism communities to beautify I-94 between the airport and Detroit is yet another example of how our region can come together to move forward," said Paul Hillegonds, President of Detroit Renaissance.

"These I-94 improvements will go a long way to enhance the first impressions of visitors and more accurately reflect the quality of life enjoyed by those of us who live in the Detroit region."