WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Ron Kind today commended his colleagues in the House of Representatives for passing legislation to authorize the building of the St. Croix River Crossing Project, S. 1134. The bill received wide bipartisan support with a vote of 339 to 80. Having passed the Senate earlier this year, the bill is now slated for the President’s signature. 

 

“The passage of this bill means that we’ll finally be able to meet the growing transportation needs of the St. Croix River Valley and support continued economic development in the region,” said Rep. Kind. “Thank you and congratulations to the local stakeholders; federal, state and local agencies; and private entities in the community that have worked so hard on this project. This bridge not only addresses the critical safety concerns of the region but also maintains the scenic and recreational value of the St. Croix Riverway.  I’m proud to have supported the project for the last 16 years and am thrilled that we will be able to build the bridge that the citizens and communities need and deserve.”

 

This bill had strong bipartisan support from both the Wisconsin and Minnesota delegations, including all four senators, as well as strong support from both Governor Walker and Governor Dayton.  Wisconsin and Minnesota are sharing the cost of the project; requiring no new federal money.  The project is expected to great upwards of 6,000 new jobs in the area.