Washington, DC — Today U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Herb Kohl (D-WI), Al Franken (D-MN), and Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced bipartisan legislation to move the St. Croix Bridge project forward.

Klobuchar led the effort in the Senate to draft the legislation which would authorize the project that both Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker support.  

"For the past few months I have been working with federal agencies and other Congressional offices to introduce a bipartisan bill which would replace a bridge that is outdated for the needs of the community," said Klobuchar. "I will continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to replace the 80 year-old bridge while making sure we include important safeguards to protect the beauty of the St. Croix river."

"St. Croix County has been growing faster than any other place in our state," Kohl said. "That kind of growth necessitates investment on a similar scale.  We must have infrastructure that is safe and reflective of the needs of our communities.  But we must also be respectful of our natural resources.  I believe that these goals can be met, and will be met with continued bipartisan cooperation, as well as cooperation between our state and local governments and federal officials."  

"Replacing the St. Croix Bridge is critical to economic activity in both Wisconsin and Minnesota," Johnson said. "It should have been done years ago. I'm happy to join in this bipartisan, bicameral effort."  

The Senators consulted the Department of Transportation and National Park Service on the legislation which also contains a package of mitigation efforts to protect the scenic St. Croix River. These measures were agreed to in 2006 by the National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration, the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources. The mitigation plan would help promote scenic and recreational values of the St. Croix River by eliminating existing man-made structures, protecting river bluff lands, park land restoration, and ensuring public boat access.  

Klobuchar has been working with Representative Michele Bachmann who has introduced similar bipartisan legislation in the House with Representatives Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), Chip Cravaack (R-MN) and Sean Duffy (R-WI).  

The current St. Croix River crossing is at the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge, however as the bridge has aged, closings for structural and vehicle collision repairs and maintenance inspections have increased.  In addition, the bridge's unique function as a lift bridge, which lifts frequently to allow boats to travel the St. Croix River, is a source of severe traffic congestion.