Wednesday, February 2, 2011
1:33 PM
Kind asks Walker to invest in Stillwater Bridge
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind is asking Gov. Scott Walker to consider backing a bridge project between Minnesota and Wisconsin after the governor promised to re-prioritize the state's transportation needs during Tuesday's State of the State address.
“As your administration reviews the urgent transportation needs of our state, I write requesting that you immediately address the future of the Stillwater Lift Bridge and the St. Croix River Crossing Project,” Kind, D-La Crosse, wrote of the proposed project between Stillwater, Minn., and Houlton, Wis., in a letter to Walker. “The 80 year-old Stillwater Lift Bridge is functionally deficient, in need of substantial investment to simply maintain its operation, is the site of substantial congestion and safety hazards, and limits the ability of the region to attract jobs and tourism.”
Kind also took a shot at Walker over the demise of high-speed rail between Madison and Milwaukee, which was intended to eventually extend through western Wisconsin to the Twin Cities.
"Since the state has refused federal funding to extend high speed rail from Milwaukee to Minneapolis, it is absolutely vital that your administration puts forward a realistic transportation plan that addresses our aging infrastructure and increasing congestion," Kind wrote.
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