Peters Introduces Measure to Construct a New International Trade Crossing (NITC) Customs Plaza in Southeast Michigan

Press Release

U.S. Representative Gary Peters introduced a new measure yesterday, the Customs Plaza Construction Act of 2014 , to construct Federal Customs Plazas at critical trade crossings like the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) at the U.S. -- Canada border. NITC is an international construction project to create a new bridge over the Detroit River between Detroit, MI and Windsor, Ontario. The project has bipartisan support and has been endorsed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and the Detroit Regional Chamber.

Peters said, "The Detroit-Windsor border is one of the busiest and most important trade crossings in North America,and a new bridge here will create thousands of jobs in Southeast Michigan. The project will make it easier for Michiganders and businesses in the region to trade with one of our most important trading partners in Canada. The new customs plaza is the critical next step for Michigan and our economy."

The proposed NITC calls for a six-lane bridge spanning the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor, enhancing a vital trade corridor by linking I-75 and I-94 in Michigan to Highway 401 in Ontario. The Government of Canada has agreed to fund construction and land acquisition of the $2.1 billion project, per an agreement with the State of Michigan to be repaid by tolls. This project will play a critical role in creating jobs throughout the Midwest and increasing U.S. exports.

Governor Snyder showed his support for the measure and said, "I applaud the Congressman for introducing this legislation. One of Michigan's strongest assets is its position as the hub of the US-Canada trade relationship. Investing in the infrastructure necessary to grow trade between the US and Canada will yield an incredible return through increased economic activity and will create thousands of good paying jobs for Americans."

The NITC has broad support from business and labor organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and Michigan Farm Bureau. Labor organizations such as the Michigan State AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, International Union of Operating Engineers and Utility Workers Union of America have also expressed broad support.

"The NITC is the most important infrastructure project in North America in decades, and will benefit our state and nation for generations," Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber said. "It will create thousands of jobs in the short, medium and long term, while securing Michigan and the Great Lakes region's place in the center of the global marketplace, while providing much needed redundancy to one of North America's most important supply chains. The Detroit Regional Chamber supports Congressman Peters' efforts and encourages the President and Congress to act expeditiously to move this project forward."

Peters is Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Canada and a member of the House Financial Services Committee. He has made it a top priority to facilitate greater trade and tourism between the United States and Canada. Recognizing Canada as our number one trade and tourism partner, Peters has advanced several initiatives to strengthen relations between the greater Detroit region and Windsor and support hundreds of thousands of jobs.

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