LANSING – State Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) today applauded local residents for voicing their opposition of a proposed plan to build a second Ambassador Bridge span without a full Environmental Impact Study. The Detroit City Council passed a resolution yesterday asking the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct a full Environmental Impact Study of the proposed second span.
"I'm extremely proud of our community today," Tlaib said. "It troubled me that the federal government determined a second span would have 'no significant impact' on our community. A second span would be a detriment to our community and put the health of our families at risk. Thanks to an emotional outpouring from our residents who took a stand and came forward to share their concerns, we're one step closer to getting an accurate picture of the increased pollution a second span would bring. This truly is a victory for our community."
The federal government previously determined that a second Ambassador Bridge span would have "no significant impact" on the air quality of Southwest Detroit. Tlaib pointed out that prior to the federal government's finding of "no significant impact," a bi-national study between the United States and Canada determined that the proposed twin span would raise significant air quality issues in Southwest Detroit.
More than 500 people attended the final public hearing on the bridge expansion in March to testify against the federal government's finding. Due to the concerns expressed by the residents, both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Detroit City Council have recognized the need to take a closer look at the impact that a second span would have on Southwest Detroit.
"One of five children in Southwest Detroit is diagnosed with asthma. We need to begin an honest dialogue relating to implementing measures to protect our residents and easing the negative impacts that a second span would place on our community," Tlaib said. "An Environmental Impact Study will make sure both of these occur. I would like to thank our residents for all of their hard work and dedication to this very important issue, as well as their commitment to standing up for our community and families."