WASHINGTON (AP) — A bill allowing for a new four-lane bridge to be built over the St. Croix River south of Stillwater has gotten its first congressional hearing.

The bill’s co-sponsor, Minnesota Republican Michele Bachmann, testified Wednesday before the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.

In prepared remarks, Bachmann said it’s no longer a matter if the proposed bridge is necessary — it’s an issue of “how much we will pay in dollars, and possibly lives, before we act.”

The bill would waive federal environmental laws to allow for a new bridge to replace the Stillwater Lift Bridge.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports a coalition of 24 Wisconsin and Minnesota environmental groups urged House members to reject the proposal.

The subcommittee referred the bill to the full committee.

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