The 2006 Ford School Integrated Policy Exercise
The Detroit River International Border Crossing: Transportation Infrastructure Options for the Future
January 3-6, 2006
Elisabeth R. Gerber, Faculty Director
Adrienne Fernandes, GSI
Steven Yarger, GSI
The International Border Crossing at the Detroit River represents the busiest trade corridor between the US and its largest bilateral trade partner, Canada. This trade is critical to the local, regional, and national economies of both countries. Since the events of September 11, 2001, the vulnerability of this border crossing and its ability to meet long-term demand for the secure and efficient movement of goods and people has come into question. To examine and plan for the possible expansion of this border crossing, the Border Transportation Partnership was formed in 2002, comprising members from the US Federal Highway Administration, Transport Canada, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. This Partnership is currently engaged in a major initiative, the Detroit River International Crossing Project, which has identified numerous alternative border crossing expansion options.
Student participants in the 2006 IPE will simulate the decision-making process of the Border Transportation Partnership as it evaluates several of these expansion options. Students will be assigned to roles as decision-makers, policy advocates, the media, and stakeholder group representatives. These stakeholder groups will reflect the myriad interests impacted by the alternative expansion options, including private industry, environmental groups, community organizations and non-profits, financial institutions, trade and tourism interests, and unions. Students will evaluate the border crossing expansion options from the perspectives of their assigned roles, lobby other students in their roles as stakeholders, advocates and decision-makers, and form coalitions in support of one or more option with other student role-players. Students will have the opportunity to visit a number of possible expansion sites and to interact with numerous relevant policy experts from both countries.
Resources and materials related to the 2006 IPE can be found on the IPE website.
