Gordie Howe Bridge donates another $50,000 to Detroit and Delray groups
Gordie Howe International Bridge rendering that will span Detroit to Windsor.
DETORIT - A church, a development corporation, and two community groups were among the newest recipients of the Gordie Howe International Bridge team's annual investment plan.
The four groups were selected to receive $50,000 in total funds as part of the community benefits plan established when bridge construction began. It's expected to release the same amount every year for the next five years.
Southwest Detroit and Delray will receive $250,000 in total by the time money is fully distributed, while another $250,000 will go toward a neighborhood in Windsor, Canada.
"The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team is inspired by our host communities to deliver meaningful benefits that will serve as a catalyst for positive local change for years to come. We are
listening and collaborating with local residents and representatives to ensure that our community-based project initiatives continue to reflect local priorities and feedback," said Bryce Phillips, CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
The 2021 U.S. recipients this year include:
- First Latin America Baptist Church of Detroit: Community Recreation Service Center
- Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation: Delray Bilingual Programs for Family Assistance
- Unity in Our Community TimeBank: Joyful Movement Outside
- Clark Park Coalition: Southwest Detroit Winter Carnival 2022 at Clark Park
Because construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge represents a monster infrastructure build that will be built in the backyards of some local residents, an agreement was struck with the authority to distribute funds to nearby communities as well as offering housing swaps to anyone willing to move homes to somewhere else.
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And more money is on the way. Another $50,000 will be distributed each year through 2024 - when the bridge is expected to be completed.