For Immediate Release: August 3, 2007
Contacts:
Linden Zakula 202.224.2159
Klobuchar, Coleman Clear Path for Emergency Assistance
Bill provides critical funding for I-35 W Disaster
Washington, D.C.
Following their visit on Thursday to see the tragic bridge collapse in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Norm Coleman tonight secured Senate passage of emergency assistance in the wake of Wednesday’s Interstate 35W bridge tragedy. The bill authorizes $250 million for repair and rebuilding of the bridge. In addition to authorizing the reconstruction of this critical transportation route, the measure also takes the important step of authorizing the project for emergency funding and waives the current cap on emergency funding dollars. This will allow the State of Minnesota to proceed with reconstruction efforts with the promise of federal reimbursement. And perhaps most importantly, the bill will provide $5 million in funds from the Federal Transit Administration to maximize public transportation services while rebuilding takes place.
“As we mourn those who were lost to this horrible catastrophe, it is imperative that we determine how this happened to spare other cities from such tragedy,” said Coleman. “At the same time, we must take immediate steps to rebuild this important artery in the heart of the Mill City. By authorizing the reconstruction of the bridge, authorizing the project for emergency relief funding, and providing transit assistance to ease congestion in the interim, we can begin this long but necessary process. We are going to rebuild this bridge as a community and we are going to rebuild it quickly. I look forward to working with Amy and the rest of the Minnesota delegation as we move ahead.”
“This Senate vote is good news for Minnesota at the close of a week that has brought so much heartbreak to our state,” said Klobuchar. “Senator Coleman and I were able to impress upon our colleagues the importance and urgency of this funding. This was the most-heavily traveled bridge in the state and our people and businesses absolutely depend on it. Our whole state is concerned about completing the recovery operations from this disaster and moving forward to build a new bridge. The Senate action today provides needed assurance that federal funding will be there to help make it happen."
Sen. Klobuchar and Sen. Coleman worked closely with Rep. Oberstar, Rep. Ellison, and the entire Minnesota Delegation to ensure that both chambers of Congress passed legislation to make the federal funds available. This money will be vital as Minnesota continues to progress with recovery and repair efforts.
On Thursday, Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters announced a $5 million grant to begin the rebuilding process. Senators Coleman and Klobuchar joined Secretary Peters in a tour of the site and are planning to visit the area on Saturday with President Bush.
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Comments: 29
They're not going to sell the rights of the bridge to China and outsource the work?
I'm shocked, I'm shocked.
http://www.fightgridlocknow.gov/upas.htm
http://www.minneapolisbridgedisaster.com
which makes the voting machines for Ohio, telling Republicans
he was "committed to helping Ohio deliver its electoral votes to the president next year." (2004) And Bush won because of Ohio, it makes you wonder.
I think both the 2000 and 2004 elections were stolen by voter fraud.
Lisa, we're all freaked out here in Minneapolis. (I live about four miles of the bridge, and work six blocks from it). I had friends calling me, that evening, saying "I drove over the bridge at 5:30" or "I was going to take 35W after work, but instead decided to go on 280" (and so on). I shiver when I think that they missed it by minutes. I take (took) that bridge all the time on evenings and weekends, and was going to be on it the next day at about 6:15, to get to a volunteer job at the Wildlife Rehab Center - so I missed it by 24 hours and 10 minutes.
As far as paying for this, I know that most Minnesotans are willing to pay higher taxes. We are, for the most part, a people who recognize that it takes money to create and maintain a stable, safe, workable society. We believe in the common good. We're a blue state, despite the fact that we have a Republican governor and one Republican senator, both of whom run for the hills at the mention of tax hikes (although they've changed that tune, at least when it comes to funds for road and bridge improvements).
I'm not saying that we like to pay taxes. Who does? However, we see the correlation between taxes and our public goods, such as roads, bridges, public schools, electric grids, police and fire departments, and so on.
doesn't see it that way.
I do agree that taxes should be used in a responsible manner. Good luck with that! I wish my taxes weren't going to supporting the war in Iraq, or going towards the new Twins stadium (I live in Mpls, so they are)... but that's how it is.
The transportation bill that was vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty WAS earmarked specifically toward road and bridge repair, not to unrelated things.
Talk about an act of faith! Ron Paul, a great guy, is about as likely as I to win the presidency in 2008. I admire your faith!
giving money to the Pohlads for the Twins
stadium without a referendum.
The city commissioners shoved it through anyway.
So much for democracy.
Know who you're voting for.