Consul General of Canada Roy Norton also promoted the New International Trade Crossing when he spoke to the summit on Monday. Canadian officials are so confident the bridge will be built that construction has begun on a road that would link to it. Canada has pledged to cover Michigan's $550 million share to build a plaza on the U.S. side of the bridge, eventually recouping the money from tolls.

Snyder echoed that confidence at a news conference later Tuesday.

"I'm convinced that we're going to make positive progress, we'll get something done," he said. "I look forward to building the bridge."

As part of Michigan's broader ties with its Canadian neighbor, Snyder would like to see passenger rail service between Pontiac, about 30 miles northwest of Detroit, to Montreal in Quebec, Canada.

He also wants the Detroit Region Aerotropolis to help expand trade along the North American trade corridor stretching into Canada, and is actively promoting Michigan and the Great Lakes area as a top value spot to do business.

The GoverNerd doth protest too much, methinks.  Plenty of the Nerds Washtenaw County cronies arses should be puckering right about now too.

Sorry, I guess I'm in a Shakespearean mood this morning.  With that, I part with a courtesy for the Lansing Elected Class...

If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?