Bridge bus gets another reprieve

The Bridge Bus, scheduled to cease service in two weeks time, will survive until at least September, Michigan officials announced tonight.

The reprieve is intended to allow the Michigan Department of Transportation, State Representative Rep. Scott Shackleton, (R-Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan), and local officials to find a permanent funding solution.

The following is the full text of a news release distributed by state transportation officials:

**************************************************************** MDOT and State Rep. Shackleton keep Bridge Bus rolling

The Michigan Department of Transportation and State Representative Rep. Scott Shackleton, (R-Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan) have collaborated to identify funding to keep the Sault Ste. Marie bridge bus in service.

The bus service will now be able to continue through September while Rep. Shackleton, MDOT and local communities work to identify a permanent funding source.

The Joint International Bridge Authority (JIBA) made it clear at its prior board meetings that it would discontinue the annual $40,000 (U.S.) subsidy effective June 1, 2003. "This is about economic growth and development for the communities in the U.S. and Canada," said State Transportation Director Gloria J. Jeff.

"This effort shows our commitment to partnerships at the state level and even across the international border." "I'm very happy to have worked with Director Jeff to identify a solution," said State Rep. Scott Shackleton, chair of the House transportation budget.

"Many area residents depend on this service and I know it's of particular importance to Lake Superior State University."

Approximately $40,000 (U.S.) of the $120,000 (U.S.) bridge bus operating budget comes from local funding; $58,000 comes from the U.S. and Michigan Department of Transportation Grant Funds.

$12,000 (U.S.) comes from rider fares.

The International Bridge Administration (IBA) is self-sufficient and primarily relies on toll revenue for the operation and maintenance of the Sault Ste Marie International Bridge.

The IBA does not receive any state, provincial or federal funding.

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