Windsor-West MP Brian Masse is happy with the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority's Community Benefits Plan, but believes there's still room for improvement.
The Authority along with Bridging North America, the State of Michigan and the Government of Canada released details for the community plan for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project Friday.
It will see $20-million set aside for 29 initiatives on both sides of the border.
The New Democrat tells AM800 News all that's missing is a legacy fund to ensure the future of Sandwich Town.
"The initiatives we see here today, some of them are very good and noteworthy, but we'll need sustainability," he says.
He says the $6-billion project should include more long term funds to offset the impact it has on the community.
"The city received $35-million for the plaza on top of that and we have a few million dollars that are going to tackle some of the issues, but we need sustainability of funding in the long term because at the end of the day it's about quality of life."
Masse wants to see a commitment to community input well into the future.
"The impact of having international trucks on city streets ... is why we fought for this to begin with back in 1997," says Masse. "We need to make sure there's going to be community engagement on a continual basis."
There is still some remaining money on the table for future enhancements.
Work on the Gordie Howe International Bridge will begin this year and is expected to finish by 2025.
— with files from AM800's Rob Hindi