October 21, 2015 — The mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., honored longtime manager of the International Bridge by proclaiming today Phillip M. Becker Day in the city.

Becker, who recently announced his plans to retire in 2016, is completing 29 years of public service with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), including 15 years serving as general manager of the International Bridge Administration (IBA).

Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Anthony Bosbous praised Becker for his strong community involvement, keen interpersonal skills and engaging personality, and cited him as a key proponent for the signing of the 2012 Sister Cities agreement by Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Ontario.

“Phillip’s enthusiasm and active community involvement continues to build and support the Sault Ste. Marie Sister Cities bi-national partnership by encouraging and supporting community events, such as the Annual International Bridge Walk and the Sault International Festival of Races,” Bosbous said.

Bosbous touted Becker’s unwavering advocacy of the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Bus — jointly supported by the City of Sault Ste. Marie, MDOT, and the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority — which provides convenient, affordable cross-border public transportation.

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October 21, 2015 — Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) board members were joined by bridge staff, contractor representatives and local dignitaries today to celebrate the completion of the 16-month-long, $8.9 million (USD) toll plaza project with a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony.

Nearly 100 invitees gathered at the new plaza for the festivities, which opened with the raising of the U.S. and Canadian flags to the accompaniment of local bagpiper Robert Craig. A rousing rendition of both countries’ national anthems by the binational Sweet Adelines choir from the sister cities of Sault Ste. Marie followed. The event continued with a Native American drum song, comments from dignitaries, unveiling of a plaza dedication plaque, and project tours.

SSMBA Chairwoman Helen Gillespie welcomed attendees, noting the project was another outstanding example of the binational partnership in place at the crossing.

“This project is a culmination of seven years of effort in which engineers, architects, contractors, and suppliers from Michigan and Ontario worked together to provide a facility that will improve bridge customer safety and service,” Gillespie said.

Rick Talvitie, the local Federal Bridge Corporation Ltd. (FBCL) board member, provided a Canadian perspective, congratulating the project team for an architecturally stunning, functional, safe, and efficient new administration building and plaza. (more…)

October 16, 2015 — The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge will celebrate the completion of the 16-month-long, $8.9 million (USD) toll plaza project with a ribbon-cutting and a public open house next week. The ribbon-cutting and plaza dedication for invited guests will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. The public open house will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.

The ribbon-cutting celebration will include the raising of the U.S. and Canadian flags, singing of both national anthems by the binational Sweet Adelines choir, Native American drummers, comments from dignitaries, unveiling of the plaza dedication plaque, and project tours. The public open house will also include project tours. (more…)