WASHINGTON DC – U.S. Rep. Gary Peters has introduced a measure designed to ensure the federal government funds the U.S. customs plaza at the proposed bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, and won praise from Governor Rick Snyder.

Dubbed the Customs Plaza Construction Act of 2014, the measures calls for the federal government to construct customs plazas at critical international crossings.

Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) introduced the measure, which faces an uncertain future in the U.S. House, as Snyder and the Canadian government have voiced concern at what they say is the reluctance from the federal government to pay for the new U.S. customs plaza even as Canada pays for every other aspect of the project.

In a statement from Peters’ office, Snyder praised the legislation.

“I applaud the congressman for introducing this legislation,” he said. “One of Michigan’s strongest assets is its position as the hub of the U.S.-Canada trade relationship. Investing in the infrastructure necessary to grow trade between the U.S. and Canada will yield an incredible return through increased economic activity and will create thousands of good paying jobs for Americans.”

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Snyder said he is talking with White House staff, federal departments and the state’s congressional delegation to resolve the issue.

The problem is twofold, Snyder said.

From a process perspective, in the past the state would have sought to obtain an earmark through one of its members of Congress. Earmarks have essentially ended, however. So instead, Snyder said the goal is to convince President Barack Obama to include funding for the plaza in his budget or through some other mechanism.

Then there is just the reality of the large federal budget deficit, Snyder said.

But in the end, Snyder said, the basics of the situation are obvious.

“The U.S. government uses this to protect the U.S. and they don’t want to pay for it or rent it,” he said. “There’s got to be a better answer than that.”

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