Blue Water Bridge says operations are self-funded; $1 toll hike planned to raise about $6 million

Amy Wynne, administrator of the Blue Water Bridge, told the Appropriation Subcommittee on State and Local Transportation that the bridge’s operations and capital program are financed from three sources — toll collections, a percentage of duty‑free store sales and lease payments — and do not rely on the state general fund.

“We are self funded,” Wynne said, adding that the bridge’s state-restricted fund supports 47 full-time positions and all bridge operations. Wynne said FY2024 gross revenue was about $21,976,000 and operating expenses were $7,133,983. Between Oct. 1, 2022 and Apr. 30, 2025, she said the bridge expended $69,600,000 on capital improvements, listing LED lighting upgrades, a Span 2 redecking, cleaning and coating, and design and early construction work for the plaza expansion.

Wynne said the bridge’s revenue mix is heavily commercial; the crossing is roughly 60% commercial traffic and handled about 4,000,000 vehicle crossings in 2024. “Your average commercial vehicle has 5 axles,” she said, noting a commercial vehicle’s toll yield is substantially higher than a passenger car. Wynne also described the prepaid Edge Pass program, which she said has more than 12,000 accounts and offers a 50¢ discount for commuter accounts.

Wynne announced a $1 toll increase to take effect Dec. 1, 2025 and said, “that will generate about an additional $6,000,000 in revenue for the Bluewater Bridge.” She and staff presented a comparison showing Blue Water Bridge tolls would remain lower than nearby crossings even after the increase (examples cited included the Ambassador Bridge and Peace Bridge).

Committee members also pressed on how funds were spent and whether federal grants were involved. Wynne said the bridge does not routinely use federal funds except when a specific grant is awarded. She described an existing bond that has been remortgaged and is due to be paid off in 2036 and said the Blue Water Bridge entity — not MDOT — would likely issue bonds for future components of the plaza expansion when financing is required.

The chair closed the questioning after members discussed staffing and financial projections; Wynne said the bridge operates with a tight staff of about 47 people and that reductions in appropriated FTEs could affect maintenance and operations.

The committee adopted the previous meeting’s minutes by unanimous consent and adjourned.