Companies controlled by the Moroun family, owners of the rival Ambassador Bridge, sued over the condemnation of land to make room for the new bridge. They said state lawmakers have barred the Transportation Department from spending tax dollars on the project. But the appeals court said "no Michigan funds are ultimately expended" because Canada reimburses the state. Supreme Court Justice David Viviano said it's "at least a close question" whether Michigan can spend any money, in light of the Legislature's prohibition, even if it gets reimbursed. "This is yet another missed opportunity to address a contention that executive agencies and officials have acted outside the bounds of their prescribed authority. This is no small matter," Viviano said.