BEA 4th Quarter GDP 1st Estimate 0.7% Q&A: Why Did GDPNow...

BEA 4th Quarter GDP 1st Estimate 0.7% Q&A: Why Did GDPNow Rise After Durable Goods? When are Construction Revisions Coming? If you’re headed to Super Bowl XL in Detroit, MI, this February, you might be pleasantly surprised — and impressed — by Detroit’s newly completed $14-million Gateway Bridge spanning Telegraph Road along I-94 in Taylor. The graceful twin arches join the giant Uniroyal Tire in welcoming visitors on the drive into downtown from the new Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The Detroit Regional Gateway Advisory Council (DRGAC) — a collaboration between state and local governments and private sector investors formed in 2002 — expect the bridge to enhance the image of metro Detroit, improve the regional transportation system and provide impetus for future regional partnerships. “These I-94 improvements will go a long way to enhance the first impressions of visitors and more accurately reflect the quality of life enjoyed by those of us who live in the Detroit region,” reported Paul Hillegonds, president of Detroit Renaissance. DRGAC raised $1.5 million from private sector donations and grant money through Detroit Renaissance, and received a commitment of more than $7 million from the state of Michigan, plus $500,000 from the city of Taylor. Wayne County and the city of Detroit pledged a combined total of $250,000 per year to maintain the improvements. 'There was a lot of negative feedback initially,” confirmed Kim Avery of MDOT. “But the bridge really signifies cost savings. There were under-clearance issues because the beams and span are narrower than conventional bridges. Otherwise, we would have had to lower the road. That would have been more expensive with all the roadwork involved. This bridge has a thinner deck and beams.' Avery noted that private sector funds made up much of the $1.5 million price difference, and that the governor favored the plan. 'He liked the savings features, and the fact that it met political requirements.' Like many other states facing budget crunches, Michigan has 'put the brakes on expansion projects,' she explained, 'but this is considered preservation and rehabilitation.' The content on this site is provided as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. All site content, including advertisements, shall not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any security or financial instrument, or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy. The ideas expressed on this site are solely the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions of sponsors or firms affiliated with the author(s). The author may or may not have a position in any company or advertiser referenced above. Any action that you take as a result of information, analysis, or advertisement on this site is ultimately your responsibility. Consult your investment adviser before making any investment decisions.