A long-awaited vote on the controversial proposal to build a second bridge across the Detroit River was abruptly postponed this afternoon after backers of the project offered a new version of legislation authorizing the project.

Senate Economic Development Committee Chairman Sen. Mike Kowall, R-White Lake, adjourned the meeting moments after it got under way, saying he wasn’t prepared to vote on legislation that he had not reviewed.

Kowall later said he had been blindsided by the decision by bridge supporters to offer a new version of the legislation only minutes before the committee was scheduled to vote, but would re-schedule a committee meeting for Thursday.

Asked if the bridge vote will come at that session, Kowall said, “I don’t know. I’m going to listen to what they have to say tomorrow. I’m not going to promise a vote.”

In a statement released after the meeting, Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer and Democratic Floor Leader Tupac A. Hunter said they were frustrated by the delay because Democrats on the committee were prepared to vote for the bill with new protections for southwest Detroit residents whose homes lay in the path of the new bridge project.

“The lack of a vote today comes as a complete shock to those of us who worked tirelessly to craft and garner support for language in the bill that would protect the Delray community,” said Hunter in a statement. “I look forward to resolving any outstanding issues and moving forward as quickly as possible.”

Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, said Tuesday he expected the committee to approve the proposal at today’s hearing.

The new language apparently addresses, among other things, concerns over so-called community benefits for residents affected by construction of the new bridge. That language is aimed at winning over support of Democrats, whose backing is needed to reach a majority on the committee and in the full Senate.

Contact Dawson Bell: 517-372-8661 or

Article source: http://feeds.stateline.org/~r/StatelineorgRss-Transportation/~3/_rXTCW_EEUo/Vote-2nd-Detroit-Canada-bridge-abruptly-postponed