Bay City’s Bridge Tolls Stir Controversy Among Locals
Bay City, known for its iconic bridges, is facing a unique challenge as two of these vital structures have become points of contention instead of connection. A recent arrangement involving the city’s bridges has sparked significant debate among residents.
The heart of the issue lies in a contract between the city and Bay City Bridge Partners, a subsidiary of United Bridge Partners. This agreement, established in 2022, grants the private firm a 75-year lease to repair and manage two of the city’s crucial bridges, Liberty and Independence, by implementing tolls as a funding mechanism.
While the deal aims to revitalize the aging infrastructure, dissent is growing over the toll fees, which range from $2 to $11.50 depending on vehicle type and transponder use. Although local residents with a transponder are exempt from tolls until 2028, many still find the charges burdensome.
Local opposition is fierce, with some residents, like Austin Pike, vocally expressing their discontent. “I will drown in that river, before I give them a dime of my money,” Pike declared at a protest gathering in downtown Bay City.
Bay City’s Mayor, Christopher Girard, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the toll arrangement, acknowledging the complexity of altering the agreement. “We do have a signed agreement,” Girard noted, emphasizing the need for legal channels to address any disputes.
The Saginaw River, which slices through the city, is a vital waterway for both private and commercial vessels. The bridges spanning this river are crucial for maintaining connectivity between the east and west sides of Bay City. Currently, one bridge is under reconstruction, and another remains toll-free, leaving the contentious Liberty and Independence bridges in the spotlight.
Resident advocacy groups, such as Bay City Bridge Resistance, led by Kayla Harper, argue for fundamental fairness. Harper emphasized the struggle, stating, “This is about basic fairness. About the right to exist in your own city without paying a ransom.”
Despite multiple outreach efforts, Bay City Bridge Partners has yet to provide comment on the situation. Meanwhile, protesters are calling for a boycott of the toll bridges and hinting at an escalation in their campaign unless concessions are made to lower costs for local users.
The situation remains tense as residents continue to push for solutions that align more closely with their vision of equitable access within their city.
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