Public hearings set for International Bridge toll increase

September 5, 2013 — The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) today reminded International Bridge customers of public hearings next week in Michigan and Ontario to review a proposed toll rate increase.

The proposed increase was prompted by the SSMBA Board of Directors’ review on Aug. 15 of its long-range financial plan that details the operational and capital improvement project needs of the bridge for the next 30 years. The proposed toll increase (in U.S. dollars) includes an increase in passenger vehicle tolls from the current $3 per trip to $3.50 per trip on April 1, 2014, and from $3.50 to $4 on April 1, 2019.

In addition to a public hearing held Sept. 4 in Lansing, there are two local public hearings scheduled to allow interested parties an opportunity to review and comment on the toll proposals:

            Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013 — 7 p.m. at the Delta Waterfront Hotel (208 St. Mary’s River Drive,  Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) and Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013 — 7 p.m. at the   Ramada Plaza Hotel – Ojibway  (240 W. Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.)

In addition, written statements, faxes, and e-mails in place of, or in addition to, oral statements made at the public hearings may be submitted to:

            Robert H. Parsons, Public Involvement and Hearings Officer

            Bureau of Transportation Planning
Michigan Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 30050