Hurst Named CEO of Detroit River Tunnel Partnership

DETROIT, Jan. 22, 2004 -- The Detroit River Tunnel Partnership board of directors today announced that former Windsor mayor Michael D. Hurst, 53, had been hired as its new chief executive officer for The Jobs Tunnel project.

Hurst served the City of Windsor from 1991 to 2003 as mayor, and is also a former Windsor councillor. He is a native of Windsor, a graduate of the University of Windsor and the University of Windsor's Law School.

"I've had a lifelong commitment to the Windsor community. I love the city and its people," Hurst said. "I took this job because I genuinely believe The Jobs Tunnel is needed to keep the automotive industry and the jobs it represents in Windsor.

"My style has always been collaborative; I understand that projects like this require both flexibility and vision. The Partnership has opened new offices at 2597 Howard Avenue in Windsor and as soon as I can get a few more chairs in there, I will get out into the community and actively engage the people of Windsor about this project. We need to open a dialog with them, listen to what they have to say, and implement their ideas into the project as best we can. In addition, we will be working with all levels of government to develop the best border-crossing solution for Windsor and its citizens," Hurst added.

"Mike Hurst will bring a fresh perspective to this project. His years of public service should prove invaluable. He really understands the Windsor community," said Marge Byington, director of communications and government affairs for Detroit River Tunnel Partnership. "We're delighted that he'll be working with us on both sides of the border."

Hurst lives in Windsor with his wife Debbie and their children, Cody, 20, a student at the University of Windsor, and Brittany, 16, along with their dog Nevada.

The Detroit River Tunnel Partnership is a joint venture of Canadian Pacific Railroad and Borealis Transportation Infrastructure Trust, a subsidiary of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System. It seeks to build The Jobs Tunnel project, which will enhance economic growth in Canada and the U.S. and create a state-of-the-art border crossing between Windsor and Detroit.