Lawmakers vote to block funding for Snyder’s bridge - WNEM TV 5

The Michigan House has voted to prohibit using state money to build another bridge across the Detroit River.

The House passed the supplemental budget bill Thursday by a vote of 79-31, with the bridge language inserted by Grandville Republican Rep. Dave Agema. He says neither Gov. Rick Snyder nor anybody else can spend money lawmakers haven't authorized.

Snyder seeks to collaborate with Canada to build a span to supplement the privately owned Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Snyder spokeswoman Sara Wurfel says taxpayers won't finance it.

The Republican governor has said he hoped the GOP-led House and Senate would back the plan but pursued other options after failing to get legislation through the Senate.

Snyder says Michigan's constitution includes Canada as a potential party to an agreement.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he's joining Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and others Friday for an announcement and signing ceremony.

The statement from the Canadian leader doesn't reveal the subject of the events in Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit.

Snyder's office says in a statement that the announcement is "of significant economic importance to Michigan and Canada" but declines comment on whether it involves a deal for a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor.

>>WNEM.com will stream this event LIVE on Friday beginning around 12:30 p.m.<<

Snyder has been promoting plans for a Canadian-funded second span in addition to the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, now the only bridge crossing the Detroit River between the cities.

The Ambassador Bridge's owners have fiercely opposed the proposal and seek to build a second span of their own.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.