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Klobuchar, Coleman Request Immediate Release of Emergency Relief Funding for I-35 W Bridge Disaster

Minnesota Senators today assessing damage with Secretary of Transportation

August 2, 2007

Washington DC—In the wake of yesterday’s tragedy, Minnesota Senators Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar today called on the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) to immediately release emergency relief funding for the Interstate 35W bridge disaster. The FHWA funding would be allocated to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for emergency restoration of this major artery in Minnesota. To receive this funding, Senators Coleman and Klobuchar will work with Governor Tim Pawlenty to make the official request and with Congress to secure the funding.

“Destruction of this proportion is unconscionable for the state of Minnesota,” said Coleman. “As the state’s most-traveled bridge located in the heart of the largest metropolitan center, the I-35W Bridge is one of the most important transportation arteries in Minnesota.  Every aspect of Minnesota’s livelihood depends on its restoration, which is why we are urgently calling on the Federal Highway Administration to recognize this glaring need and release these critical funds.”

“I am so proud of how Minnesotans have responded to this crisis, especially our emergency workers who rushed to the scene,” said Klobuchar.  “We demonstrated preparedness, though no one ever imagined a major bridge like this would suddenly collapse in rush hour.  That spirit of cooperation should be sustained in the short term priority of recovery and the long term challenge of rebuilding.”

Today, the Minnesota Senators are touring the area with Transportation Secretary Mary Peters to assess the damage. Under the Emergency Relief highway program, states can receive assistance for the repair or reconstruction of highways and roads which have suffered serious damage as a result of disasters of this nature. States are eligible to receive up to $100 million in emergency relief funds per year, but Congress can expand funding beyond $100 million with special legislation. Senators Coleman and Klobuchar plan to introduce necessary legislation in the Senate today to allow increased funding beyond the $100 million cap.  All relief construction within the first 180 days of the disaster is covered by the Federal government, and covered 90 percent by federal payments thereafter.

“This morning we will be assessing the damage with the Transportation Secretary. Clearly, we are going to need more than the $100 million that is available under the current program, and Amy and I will be working to secure this funding,” said Coleman.

"Norm and I are moving quickly to ensure all available resources are dedicated to Minnesota immediately," said Klobuchar. "We've received offers of support from every level of government, and we're urgently working to turn those offers into action.  Securing FHA funding is the first of many steps we will need to take to recover and rebuild."

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