Detroit nearly throws out tunnel proposal

DETROIT, May 17 (UPI) -- A proposal by Detroit's mayor to sell half of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel to fill the city's budget gap has just about been discarded, officials say.

City officials said Friday Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's plan has too many holes and would not be worth the $65 million it would gain for giving up a highly valued asset, the Detroit Free Press reported.

"I'm not a person that's in support of onetime fixes, and I think it's a one-time plug in the budget," Councilwoman Brenda Jones said.

It is reported Kilpatrick's administration still thinks the plan can be in place June 30, when the fiscal year comes to a close.

"We'll continue to be committed to work with City Council to ensure they fully understand the details of this agreement. We hope that they continue to work with us to meet the necessary time line," Kilpatrick spokesman James Canning said.