Contact: Mike Zipko
651-269-8756
The Subcommittee on National Parks for the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources heard testimony today on legislation that would allow the St. Croix River Crossing project to move forward. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Ron Johnson, representing two states and different parties, sat next to each other in support of the project. They were joined by Stillwater Mayor Ken Harycki and supported by the governors and members of Congress who represent both states. Senator Al Franken gave his support for the bill from his position as a member of the Subcommittee.
Today’s hearing was another chance to help educate members of Congress about this project, how important it is to our region, and why we need their help. The legislation (S1134) would permit a project-specific exemption to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act that would allow the St. Croix River Crossing to be built, while leaving the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protections in place.
We are grateful to Senator Klobuchar for her leadership and support in helping our community move this crucial project forward. She introduced this legislation in May along with Senators Franken, Kohl and Johnson. At a time when it seems hard for government to get much done, this project is an example of bipartisan leadership and compromise focused on what is good for our entire region.
We urge Congress to pass this legislation to bring a positive conclusion to the decades-long effort to solve a growing regional transportation problem in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. An exhaustive planning process found that the St. Croix River Crossing is the best solution that balances the region’s needs.
The St. Croix River Crossing is the only bridge plan that has been reviewed and approved, and is ready to move forward. It’s time for action. This issue and potential solutions have been studied for years. It’s time to act because if we miss this chance to build this bridge, we will have to wait years for another opportunity to replace a bridge that celebrated its 80th birthday in July. Minnesota and Wisconsin are ready to start work on this important regional project.
The community has already heard “yes” three times from regulators. We are asking Congress to say “yes” for a fourth time, enabling us to finally get started on construction.
Testimony from today’s hearing as well as submitted testimony and resolutions of support from the local community are available on our website:
· Stillwater Mayor Ken Harycki
· Cory Buettner, owner of Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop in Stillwater
· Gary Kriesel, chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners
· Matt Kramer, president of the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce
· Jay Lund, chief executive officer of Andersen Corporation
· Harry Melander, president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council
· Ryan Sicard, president of the St. Croix County Economic Development Corporation
· Daryl Standafer, chairman of the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors
· The Gateway Transit Corridor resolution
· Washington County Board of Commissioners resolution of support
Today was another significant step forward for this project. Momentum to move forward continues to build to help lead us to the start of construction. We need to come together as a community to support this legislation and speak with a unified voice. We encourage everyone who wants a new bridge to join our coalition at www.stcroixcrossing.org.
From Stillwater Mayor Ken Harycki and John Soderberg,
Co-chairs of the Coalition for the St. Croix River Crossing
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