International bridge needs government buy in.

• Author: Louiseize, Kelly
• Position: Abitibi Consolidated - Boise Cascades

There is value in the international bridge that links Fort Frances to their American neighbouring sister community International Falls and the owners of Boise Cascades are prepared to wait until the proper investor comes along.

Chicago based Madison Dearborn Partners had their 860-foot railroad portion of the bridge sold to Watco Company Inc. However, due to timelines the acquisition could not go through and now, the more than 900-foot bridge is back on the selling block. Cascades spokesman Bob Anderson says although they have had interest from both sides of the border no contracts have been signed.

The privately owned toll bridge has been owned by Abitibi Consolidated and Boise Cascades as early as 1908. When Madison Dearborn took over Cascades' assets in 2004, they viewed the bridge as a non-essential item since their primary focus is on paper production, Anderson says.

Upgrades and maintenance was soley the responsibility of the two companies and the toll fees allocated to the proprietors.

Canadian federal law dictates that who ever controls the international toll bridge must control and maintain a custom's facility. If tolls are non existent, then the government builds their own customs' office.

"That is one of the deterrents here," Onichuk says.

If a light bulb burns out at the facility then the owners are called to change it.

Communities linked to the bridge have had first dibs on the purchase. They have been keen to include their prospective governments in the deal, however, progress has been slow. International Falls mayor Shawn Mason and Fort Frances mayor Dan Onichuk say it is in the best interest of their regions to have the bridge in public hands, rather than private hands.

"We want the province and the state to take responsibility for the road...