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Klobuchar, Coleman Clear Path for Emergency Assistance

Bill provides critical funding for I-35 W Disaster

August 3, 2007

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.

“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."

“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.”

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 Klobuchar and Coleman 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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