Related – Detroit Free Press | A New Bridge at Last: How the Gordie Howe Got Done
Decades of Chamber Advocacy Culminates With Bridge Opening
July 27, 2026
Photo credit: Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is an economic game-changer that will strengthen the U.S.-Canada trade relationship and give a boost to Michigan’s economy and its key industries.
“Opening the Gordie Howe International Bridge starts the next chapter in the historic trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada. This critical infrastructure will enhance Michigan’s advanced manufacturing, automotive, agricultural, and tourism industries while benefitting employers and residents across the Detroit-Windsor region for generations to come.”
– Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Chamber’s Top Advocacy Win Realized
For more than 20 years, the Chamber has led efforts to advocate for the approval, building, and opening the Gordie Howe International Bridge, working with multiple presidential administrations, Michigan’s congressional delegation, and governors and state legislatures under the leadership of both parties.
“This new crossing has been the Chamber’s top infrastructure priority for years, and we put everything we had into making it a reality,” Baruah said. “This critical infrastructure is a game-changer and will drive economic growth in Michigan for decades to come.”
Workers celebrate the completion of the bridge deck connection in 2024. Photo: Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
Recognizing Former Governor Snyder’s Leadership
Calling for a new bridge in his first State of the State Address in 2011, no figure played a larger role in making the Gordie Howe International Bridge a reality than former Michigan Governor, and current Chamber Board Member, Rick Snyder.
Taking executive action to overcome legislative opposition and negotiate a deal with Canada, Snyder courageously stepped up for Michigan and advanced the project.
Gov. Rick Snyder speaks with members of the media at the 2011 Mackinac Policy Conference.
“Leadership matters, and this bridge doesn’t get built without Gov. Snyder. His commitment to relentless positive action and doing what is best for Michiganians is reflected in this transformative project. He found a way to bring this much-needed piece of infrastructure into reality despite tough political headwinds and numerous obstacles – it would have been much easier to walk away from this project.”
– Brian J. Shoaf, Vice President of Public Policy and Business Advocacy, Detroit Regional Chamber
The Next Chapter in U.S.-Canada Trade Key to Maintaining Economic Competitiveness
The bridge opening underscores the importance of trade with Canada and is a reminder of importance of this lucrative trade relationship to U.S. economic competitiveness amid fluctuating federal trade policies.
“The U.S.-Canada trade relationship and economies have been successfully intertwined for well over a century, benefiting both sides of our shared border,” said Baruah. “As Americans, we need to lean into and build off this relationship to maintain our global competitiveness and create jobs and economic growth.”
On the Horizon: Strengthening Trade Relationships Through the USMCA
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a bedrock of industry resilience and an essential tool for maintaining productive relationships and economic vitality in Michigan and across North America.
With the scheduled review of the USMCA underway, Chamber and MichAuto continue to advocate for the agreement’s update and extension to strengthen critical North American trade relationships that support. Read the latest on USMCA, or visit the Trade Policy Resource Center for more info and updates.