"The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)has denied Permit Application Number 07‑74‑0023‑P, submitted by Detroit International Bridge Company, 12225 Stephens Road, Warren, Michigan.
The Detroit International Bridge Co., owned by Grosse Pointe billionaire Manuel "Matty" Moroun, also operates the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor.
The applicant proposed construction of a bascule bridge across the St. Clair River from Algonac to Harsen's Island, approximately 3.7 miles downstream from the confluence of the north and south channels of the St. Clair River, to provide an alternative means of transport between the mainland in Algonac and Harsens Island.
Denial by the MDEQ does not necessarily mean the project is "dead."
DIBC has 60 days to file an appeal of the MDEQ permit denial. Mr. Dortman did mention, however, that the appeal process can be a lengthy one. There are MDEQ appeals which have been on file for years.
According to Mr. Dortman at the MDEQ, The DIBC permit application was denied due to a number of criteria within each of the Acts mentioned above. Some of the denial criteria includes:
- Fisheries impact, including the state protected Lake Sturgeon
- Proposed bridge piers located on land not owned by DIBC
- Riparian rights - proposed bridge would cross adjacent land areas
- Public trust - State's ability to protect natural resources"
Moruon and casino syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr. own homes next door to one another in Grosse Pointe Shores.
It is believed the construction of this private toll bridge linking Harsens Island to the mainland near Algonac is linked to plans by Michael Malik to develop a 450 acre residential development project, centered around a man made lagoon with canal access to the North Channel, on Harsens Island.
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