Reminder: Public hearings next week for proposed International Bridge toll increase
Contact: James Lake, MDOT Office of Communications,LakeJ1@michigan.gov
906-786-1830, ext. 311Agency: Transportation
September 5, 2013 -- The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) today reminded International Bridge customers of public hearings next week in Michigan and Ontario to review a proposed toll rate increase.
The proposed increase was prompted by the SSMBA Board of Directors' review on Aug. 15 of its long-range financial plan that details the operational and capital improvement project needs of the bridge for the next 30 years. The proposed toll increase (in U.S. dollars) includes an increase in passenger vehicle tolls from the current $3 per trip to $3.50 per trip on April 1, 2014, and from $3.50 to $4 on April 1, 2019.
In addition to a public hearing held Sept. 4 in Lansing, there are two local public hearings scheduled to allow interested parties an opportunity to review and comment on the toll proposals:
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013 -- 7 p.m.
Delta Waterfront Hotel
208 St. Mary's River Drive
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5V4
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013 -- 7 p.m.
Ramada Plaza Hotel - Ojibway
240 W. Portage Ave.
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
In addition, written statements, faxes, and e-mails in place of, or in addition to, oral statements made at the public hearings may be submitted to:
Robert H. Parsons, Public Involvement and Hearings Officer
Bureau of Transportation Planning
Michigan Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 30050
Lansing, MI 48909
E-mail: parsonsb@michigan.gov
Fax: 517-373-9255
All written comments should be postmarked on or before Oct. 11, 2013. Information on the proposed toll rates is available for public review prior to the public hearings at:
International Bridge Administration
934 Bridge Plaza
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
More information also can be found on the IBA Web site at: www.michigan.gov/iba.
Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge
"Celebrating 50 Years of International Friendship, 1962 - 2012"
