Absolutely. In fact, I've had a couple of conversations with Governor-elect Snyder. He seems to be very keen on the project. I believe he is going to make it a priority in the spring session, and that's good news.
This is the project where all the approvals are in place. People shouldn't lose sight of that. People will throw other things up in the air and say, “What about this, and what about that?” We know for sure that the one project that is fully approved to go ahead is this one. This one is ready to go.
In my time in this ministry I've been impressed by the enthusiastic support from the American federal government--Secretary LaHood and Secretary Napolitano. Governor-elect Snyder seems to be very keen on it. He's quite sure that this project is good for Michigan and good for Canada-U.S. trade.
In this lame-duck session it was always a long shot, and we knew that. It's housekeeping; it's a big bill and they want to do it right, as they should. We've offered a briefing on what Canada is going to commit to it. We will not only pay for all of the infrastructure on our side of the border, but we'll also give $550 million to Michigan to save them harmless on their side. Secretary LaHood has told me it will become one of their number one priorities once the Michigan legislature deals with it and passes it. He obviously can't do anything until they approve it, but he's keen on it.
It's a great project for all the reasons we know. Passenger traffic on that bridge is destined to double and truck traffic is destined to triple in the next 20 to 25 years. To not have another bridge is a fool's game. I think the Michigan legislature knows that as well. We just have to find the right formula to get that done.