Matty Moroun looks to dominate another river crossing
By Guy Burns
Michigan Live
With a ferry service preparing to abandon ship, Manuel Moroun’s Detroit International Bridge Co. has revived plans to build a private bridge across the St. Clair River to Harsens Island in St. Clair County.
The state Department of Environmental Quality rejected a similar effort in 2007. However, the company resubmitted plans and the state will open a mandated, public-comment period, said Clay Township Supervisor Artie Bryson, who added that he’s been “inundated” with calls and emails from concerned residents.
Currently, there are only two ways to access Harsens Island: a personal watercraft, or the ferry, which is owned by Artie Bryson’s brother, David Bryson.
A public meeting to discuss the proposal is scheduled for 7 p.m., March 9 in the auditorium of Algonac Junior High School, 9185 Marsh in Clay Township.
The MDEQ will accept written comment from the public for 10 days following the meeting before making a determination.
Artie Bryson said public opinion he’s heard leans in favor of maintaining the status quo.
“I’d say 70 percent (who live on the island) like it the way it is, and 30 percent probably want the bridge,” he said.
The two-lane bridge, if built, would stretch 1,750 feet across the river with two lanes of traffic. There would be a 150-foot drawbridge section that would run 32.5 feet above the water when lowered.
Plans include a toll plaza and a dozen piers.
Source: www.mlive.com