Judge delays bridge suit against Canada

WASHINGTON — A federal judge ruled today to delay any proceedings in a lawsuit brought by the owner of Detroit's Ambassador Bridge against the Canadian government until a similar complaint in Canada is concluded.

U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer said the stay is appropriate because Canadian courts are better suited to determine if Manuel (Matty) Moroun and his family, who own the Ambassador Bridge, have what amounts to an exclusive franchise for a Detroit River bridge under Canadian law.

Moroun's lawyers had argued that such a stay could create unnecessary delays. In the case, he argues that Canada, the U.S. and Canada are — absent an act of Congress and the Canadian Parliament — required to recognize the bridge owner's franchise. The case continues against the U.S. defendants.

Moroun has been trying to get clearance to build a second span to the bridge but the permits haven't been granted. Meanwhile, federal clearance has been granted for a rival bridge, the New International Trade Crossing, which would largely be funded by Canada.

Contact Todd Spangler at 703-854-8947 or at tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on twitter at @tsspangler.