The U.S. House of Representatives could vote as early as tomorrow on the proposed four-lane bridge over the Saint Croix River near Hudson. But the bill’s prospects are uncertain, because a two-thirds majority is required for passage. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has given supporters until March 15th to get measure passed – or else he’ll give the state’s funding for the bridge to other highway projects. House Republican Michele Bachmann (R-Minnesota) has tried to get her chamber to vote on exempting the $690-million bridge from the Wild-and-Scenic Rivers Act. But House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Transportation Committee chair John Mica (R-Florida) have been silent, and they’ve done nothing to move it forward. As a result, Bachmann is pushing the bill for “expedited consideration,” to make sure it gets a vote before Governor Dayton’s funding deadline. Because of that, a two-thirds majority is required for passage instead of the normal simple majority. Minnesota House Democrat Betty McCollum is among those opposing the four-lane bridge. She’s pushing for a smaller, less expensive alternative. The Taxpayers for Common Sense called the Saint Croix project “a bridge too far” after learning about the impending House vote. But Bachmann says she’s worked for over a decade to approve the four-lane bridge. She says it’s been unfinished for “far too long.” Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and much of the state’s congressional delegation support the four-lane project. Walker has said it could not proceed without Minnesota’s state share.
Tuesday State News Briefs (Pierce County Herald)
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