House Subcommittee Hears Stillwater Bridge Bill
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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