[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10813]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, the International Bridge at Sault St. Marie 
stands as an enduring, visible reminder of the connection Michigan has 
with our neighbor to the north. This nearly 2-mile expanse, quite 
literally, brings communities in Michigan and Canada closer together, 
forging a mutually beneficial partnership in the process. To 
commemorate the construction of the bridge, a new, patriotic lighting 
scheme will be introduced on the American side of the bridge this week.
  Thousands of vehicles cross this bridge each day. In fact, in 2007 
alone, nearly 2 million cars traversed this roadway. This bridge is a 
pathway for commerce and trade; it is a convenient way for families 
separated by a short distance, but still a Nation apart to visit; and 
it supports recreation and tourism, which are central to the economies 
of many of Michigan's communities. Designed by Dr. Carl Gronquist, this 
sprawling structure has buoyed a number of industries important to 
Michigan, including steel, paper and forestry.
  Before the International Bridge opened to traffic on October 31, 
1962, Michiganians crossed the St. Mary's River either by car ferry or 
by railway. The need for a more efficient means to connect Sault Ste. 
Marie, MI and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario was evident. In response, in 
1940, Congress approved an international crossing in Sault Ste. Marie, 
and in 1955, the Canadian Parliament established the St. Mary's Bridge 
Company to facilitate and oversee an international crossing. The $16 
million construction project that ensued lasted nearly 2 years and gave 
way to the structure we enjoy today.
  Connecting Sault Ste. Marie with a city of 75,000 in Ontario that 
also serves as an important international trade crossing in 
Northwestern Ontario has been very beneficial. The theme of this 
celebration--Celebrating 50 years of International Friendship--speaks 
powerfully to this point. I also would like to recognize the work of 
the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority and the International Bridge 
Administration for their tremendous work and dedication. The work that 
is done each day to ensure an efficient and steady flow of traffic 
across this bridge has positively impacted the lives of Michiganians 
and countless businesses for the last half century. As we look toward 
the future, it is important to preserve and maintain the International 
Bridge for future generations.

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