Transportation
One of the fundamental functions of the government is to facilitate commerce, making transportation a vital focus. I work closely with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to ensure that Minnesota’s families are able to get to and from work safely and as easily as possible, and advocate on their behalf on the federal level.
For decades, bureaucracy and frivolous lawsuits from radical environmentalists stood in the way of replacing a decaying bridge on the St. Croix River. In the 112th Congress, I introduced the St. Croix River Crossing legislation in the House. Working closely with the Minnesota and Wisconsin delegations, as well as the governors of both states, the Senate version passed with unanimous consent and the House version passed by a vote of 339-80. Construction on the new bridge is expected to finish in 2016.
In 2012, the St. Cloud Regional Airport secured a carrier for flights to Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport. I have long been a supporter of the airport’s efforts, and I was happy when the combination of their business savvy, the public commitment to funding, and my recommendation of their project resulted in a grant award. I am certain that this connection from the St. Cloud metro area to Arizona will prove to be very beneficial to both regions. And I look forward to continuing to work with the airport as they seek to expand even further.