As GlobeSt.com reported on Monday, Judge Joyce Draganchuk didn't say the legislation was unconstitutional, but she declined to rule on the matter, meaning the issue must be resolved in an Appeals Court. Granholm vowed Wednesday to have the matter brought to the state court of appeals "as quickly as is legally possible."

"Believe me, this is not a done deal by any stretch of the imagination," Granholm said. "One way or another, we are going to make sure that this is a reality."

The 690-acre site, which once housed a state mental facility, was put out for bid by the state last year. While Toyota's bid was lower than an Oakland County firm that wanted to develop the land for residential use, the state awarded the property to Toyota, anxious to get the 1,000-plus jobs that would be located at the R&D center.

The developers, DPG York LLC, filed a lawsuit against the state after the legislation was passed, prompting Draganchuk's action. She dismissed the lawsuit, but her questioning of the legislation requires a legal resolution.

Speaking with a panel of automotive executives at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Wednesday, Granholm also said she is committed to ensuring that the show remains in Detroit. Over the years, show organizers and exhibitors have complained that they have outgrown the space available at Cobo Center. Chicago and other cities have made comments that they would be willing to take on the show, leaving Detroit with a regional auto show, rather than the international industry event the NAIAS has become.

"The auto show must stay in Detroit," Granholm said. "I am eager to help with that in any way I can. The automobile is the gold mine that we are sitting on. If anything, we want to have a bigger footprint in automotive."

Instant Insights /

GlobeSt.com UPDATE: Granholm Vows to Fight for Toyota Land Sale

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