Windsor-Detroit International Crossing Canadian Environmental Assessment Phase Begins
WINDSOR, ON, Feb. 15 /CNW/ - The Governments of Canada and Ontario today
launched the Canadian Environmental Assessment (EA) phase of the Detroit River
International Crossing project to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow
at the Windsor-Detroit border.
"The Governments of Canada and Ontario recognize the pressing need for
additional border capacity in the Windsor-Detroit Gateway area," said Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre. "As we move ahead with this next phase,we will continue to focus on enhancing the efficiency, security and safety of
the Gateway, while minimizing the environmental impacts on the residents of
local communities."
"Moving toward a new or expanded Windsor-Detroit crossing is great news
for the community," said Ontario Minister of Transportation Harinder Takhar.
"We are working with our partners to ease congestion and strengthen the
economy at Canada's busiest border crossing."
The EA phase will include the completion of environmental and technical
work to allow the governments to decide on the location of a new or expanded
crossing in an environmentally responsible manner.
Due to the nature of the project, and the complexity of border
transportation issues in the Windsor-Detroit area, this work is necessary to
meet the legislative and regulatory requirements of the Canadian Environmental
Assessment Act, the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act and the U.S. National
Environmental Policy Act. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is leading
the Canadian work program in coordination with Transport Canada. The Michigan
Department of Transportation, in coordination with the U.S. Federal Highway
Administration, is leading the U.S. work program.
During the EA phase, alternative solutions will be studied, with
consideration being given to environmental and community effects, and a
location for a new or expanded international crossing will be recommended.
This work will be completed by the end of 2007, leading to the opening of
additional crossing capacity by 2013.
The public will have the opportunity to participate in the process. The
first of five rounds of public meetings is planned for April 2005. In
addition, local advisory councils on both sides of the border will provide the
public, the private sector and community groups the opportunity to comment
throughout the Environmental Assessment phase.
This phase is an important next step, following the Planning, Needs and
Feasibility Study completed in January 2004. The terms of reference for the
Environmental Assessment were reviewed by the public last spring and approved
by the Ontario's Minister of the Environment in September. Following a
competitive bidding process, URS Canada and the Corradino Group have been
selected to lead the Canadian and American work respectively.
The Schwartz Report, recently released by the City of Windsor, will
provide valuable input to this process. In addition to identifying potential
short- and medium-term proposals to address congestion problems in Windsor,
the Schwartz Report confirms the requirement for new crossing capacity.
Careful consideration will be given to the information in the Schwartz Report.
Updates on study progress and consultation activities will be provided
throughout the project. For additional information please visit the website:
www.partnershipborderstudy.com.
