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Tag: NITC

Ummm, maybe it would have been a good idea to read that fine print?

By KG One, Section News
Posted on Sun Jan 19, 2014 at 11:47:58 AM EST
Tags: Michigan roads, Michigan bridges, Slick Rick, Gonna tax you some more, DRIC, NITC, Gordie Howe Bridge, Canada, Nothing to fear...the Canadians will pick up the tab, Uh oh?, Whaddya mean this isn't free?, P.T. Barnum said one of these was born every minute (all tags)

In his fanaticism to achieve one of his goals (Michigan Taxpayers and the Michigan Legislature, who needs `em), Gov. Snyder overlooked one very important detail: Nothing is ever truly "free" from the federal government.

Not to fear, he's got a scapegoat to blame for this one.

So who is the great nerdy one mad at now?

And what will Michigan Taxpayers potentially be on the hook for?

{Details below the fold}

(3 comments, 507 words in story) Full Story

Constitution, schmonstitution. This is what I want it done, and I DON'T care how it happens!

By KG One, Section News
Posted on Fri Jun 01, 2012 at 04:53:00 AM EST
Tags: DRIC, NITC, Gordie Howe Bridge, Bridge to Canada, Gov Snyder, Chi-comm, Chi-comm steel, Detroit, Windsor, Internation Border Crossing, International Agreements not within the purview of states, Blame Canada...literally. (all tags)

This week during the yearly taxpayer-funded vacation to Mackinac Island, er, I mean the Detroit Regional Chamber's "comprehensive dialogue this week on innovation, collaboration and the 21st century global market" with "Michigan's top business professionals, government leaders, corporate CEOs, entrepreneurs and veteran regional champions," the topic that just won't go away; a second government bridge to Canada, made an interesting turn.

{Continued below the fold.}

(5 comments, 412 words in story) Full Story

A Message To Our Legislators - Beware False Choices

Where Is The Substitute Bill, Sen. Kowall?

By Corinthian Scales, Section News
Posted on Thu Oct 20, 2011 at 12:44:38 PM EST
Tags: Michigan, NITC, Governor, Snyder, Politcal Patronage, Mackinac Center, Jack McHugh, Community Benefits Disclosure (all tags)

Just released:

The Michigan Senate's top-ranked Republican expects a committee scheduled to meet Thursday will advance a bill authorizing a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
The Senate Economic Development Committee is scheduled to vote on the proposal after a one-day delay.
Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville expects there are enough votes in the Republican-led committee to advance the bill to the Senate floor, his spokeswoman Amber McCann said Thursday morning.

Sen. Kowall, I'm not sure what your interpretation of transparency is, but, I've looked here, here, and here... No substitute Sen. Hunter Bill for the constituent class to review.

Am I to assume that you, as Committee Chair, have knuckled under to the expediency of Governor Snyder and a term limited Sen. Richardville to advance a floor vote from your admirable "fair and transparent fashion" just yesterday? What is the "community benefits" component?

(15 comments) Comments >>

MDOT: Amtrak A Success! ...Still A Goonionized Moneypit

By Corinthian Scales, Section News
Posted on Sat Oct 15, 2011 at 10:37:28 AM EST
Tags: NITC, Son Of Stimulus, Richardville, Snyder, Obama, DRIC, Michigan, Highway Funds, Slightly Higher Speed Rail, More Central Planning Entanglements, Executive, CZARS, Appointees, Policy Makers (all tags)

From the same folks trying to stick taxpayers with a boondoggle bridge for the Canucks.

"This past year marks the highest ridership totals ever on Amtrak services in Michigan," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "All three lines, especially the Blue Water, have made great gains, despite the slowdowns on the Pontiac/Detroit-Chicago corridor. We've taken steps to repair the track between Kalamazoo and Ypsilanti, so that will help bring speeds back to what customers expect."
Amtrak operates the Blue Water and Pere Marquette services under a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). At this time, Amtrak does not receive any direct state support for the Wolverine service. Michigan is one of 15 states that provide state-supported service.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Comments >>

Whatcha Got Under LaHood? Wealth Redistribution

By Corinthian Scales, Section News
Posted on Thu Oct 13, 2011 at 03:21:19 PM EST
Tags: NITC, Son Of Stimulus, Richardville, Snyder, Obama, DRIC, Michigan, Highway Funds, Slightly Higher Speed Rail, More Central Planning Entanglements (all tags)

The Governerd goes full court press for that end of October vote on the boondoggle bridge.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will meet in Detroit with Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Mayor Dave Bing to discuss the state's high-speed rail and other transportation efforts.
"I'm looking forward to meeting with Governor Snyder, Mayor Bing and the four county executives on Monday to discuss ways we can continue to improve Detroit's transportation network and provide new opportunities for economic development throughout the region," LaHood said in a statement Wednesday.

Rest here

Comments >>

NITC Public Meeting Notice - September 6th, 7:00pm

By KG One, Section News
Posted on Sun Sep 04, 2011 at 02:03:21 PM EST
Tags: LG Calley, NITC, DRIC, Gordie Howe Bridge, Sterling Heights (all tags)

FYI, LG Calley will be in Sterling Heights on Tuesday to plug the guv's plan to <strike>use taxpayer money to directly compete against a private business</strike> promote a new bridge into Canada.

The Meeting will take place in the Sterling Heights Public Library at 7:00pm on September 6th.

Watch out for that annoying roundabout out in front.

(16 comments) Comments >>

Snyder Bridge Post Draws fire

By JGillman, Section News
Posted on Thu Jun 02, 2011 at 01:51:50 PM EST
Tags: Ambassador, Bridge, credits, Detroit, NITC, DRIC, federal, government, highway, MDOT, private, public, tolls, traffic, Windsor, Math (all tags)

And rightly so.

The image below the line is just the first salvo from both sides of the bridge issue.

Its good to see the arguments made from the different perspectives. Plenty to be said about whether or not we actually pay for it in one way or another, but surprisingly no one yet doing what will ultimately provide the most accurate answer.

The math equation.

20,000 Crossings a day now. Unless the Ambassador bridge is FORCED to close, then the traffic would split.

Average ticket of $6 Gross $120,000/day (if the ambassador is FORCED to close) $44 Million a year

Debt service (interest only) of $30 Million a year. Then add to this the cost of operations, ongoing liabilities (you know those pesky benefits) and maintenance. An additional $30? $50 million? A year?

My goodness So who DOES pay for it when it doesnt even pay its bond? mmmm?

Its a math question.. Not even a difficult one.

(8 comments, 175 words in story) Full Story