Senate Hearing Highlights Need for New St. Croix River Crossing

Statement

Today, the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on Senate bill, S. 1134, regarding the proposed St. Croix River Crossing between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Introduced May 27, 2011, by Senators Amy Klobuchar (MN), Al Franken (MN), Ron Johnson (WI) and Herb Kohl (WI), this legislation is similar to Congresswoman Michele Bachmann's (MN-06) bipartisan bill, H.R. 850, in the House of Representatives.

"The Stillwater Lift Bridge, connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin through the Lower St. Croix River Valley, was built in 1931 to handle substantially fewer vehicles than actually cross it today. For decades, replacement proposals have been offered, but construction has been delayed time and time again. Now, due to environmental concerns, Congressional action is required to allow a new four-lane crossing to move forward," Bachmann said.

"I commend Senator Klobuchar for taking the lead on this effort in the Senate and I'm pleased this issue was heard today by the Subcommittee on National Parks. The residents of Minnesota and Wisconsin have waited too long for this crucial new St. Croix River Crossing to be built. Today's action is a positive step towards a solution."

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