The customs plaza on the American side of the Blue Water Bridge could finally see funding for an expansion project that has remained in limbo for the last decade.
Michigan 10th District Congressman Paul Mitchell issued a statement on Monday to announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation would soon be awarding a $25 million infrastructure grant to the construction project in Port Huron.
"Expanding the customs plaza has been a long-time priority for the community and the state, that unfortunately has sat idle for multiple administrations," said Mitchell in the statement. "I am hopeful that after waiting more than 10 years this project can finally be built to benefit our economy, transportation systems, and national security.”
The improvements to the customs plaza are expected to reduce backups and crossing times for those travelling between Sarnia and Port Huron.
According to The Detroit News, the Department of Transportation had sought $50 million in federal grant money for the project, which languished during the previous U.S. administration and has remained dormant since.
To prepare for the expansion, more than 100 properties were demolished, however, the land has since remained vacant.