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Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12), a member of the House Budget Committee, applauded U.S. and Canadian officials for reaching an agreement to construct and operate the U.S. Customs Plaza at the New International Trade Crossing between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Under the agreement, the United States would meet its obligations as a partner by providing funding for the operation and staffing of the Customs Plaza. Dingell urged Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shaun Donovan to provide support for the bridge during a Budget Committee hearing earlier this month.

“Completing the New International Trade Crossing is a top priority for Michigan that will bring millions of dollars into the economy and create hundreds – if not thousands – of jobs,” said Dingell. “We’ve overcome hurdle after hurdle to move this project forward, and today’s announcement means we are full speed ahead. But the U.S. government must remain committed to doing its part. We’ve never been a nation that sits back and waits for someone else to do our work. We step up, we do our fair share, and we must do what it takes to get this plaza built.”

Today, the administration agreed to staff and operate the customs plaza, estimated at a $100 million investment in year one and $50 million annually for ongoing staffing costs thereafter. Dingell specifically thanked OMB Director Donovan for his efforts to secure the funding needed to complete the international agreement.