Article Summary –
Democratic leaders from Wisconsin and Minnesota urge U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to release over $1 billion in grant funding for the Blatnik Bridge replacement, which is crucial for the Superior-Duluth region and must be replaced by 2030. Construction work is expected to commence later this year, employing 1,100 workers annually, but it requires Duffy’s final approval to avoid harmful delays, increased costs, and negative impacts on families, businesses, and industries in Northern Wisconsin. The bridge, which sees nearly $4 billion in goods and over 265,000 trucks annually, is supported by $400 million in funding from both Wisconsin and Minnesota, with the federal grant crucial for its timely replacement.
Democratic leaders in Wisconsin are pressing U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to release over $1 billion for the Superior bridge replacement, granted in 2024. Daily, 33,000 vehicles traverse the aging John A. Blatnik Bridge between Superior and Duluth, Minnesota. Built in 1961, it risks closure by 2030 without timely replacement.
Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, alongside Minnesota Democratic senators, urged Duffy on March 2 to approve $1.05 billion in funds from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America and National Infrastructure Project Assistance programs. Baldwin stated in a news release that the project is ready for a green light to ensure safety and economic benefits.
Gov. Tony Evers emphasized in a letter to Duffy on March 10 that construction, slated to start this year, will employ 1,100 workers annually. However, it hinges on Duffy’s approval, a former Wisconsin congressman. Evers warned that without prompt action, delays would increase costs and harm Northern Wisconsin’s economy.
The Department of Transportation has not responded to requests for comments from the Wisconsin Independent. Former President Joe Biden recognized the project’s funding during a 2024 visit to Superior, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law from 2021. Post-visit, the Wisconsin Independent reported on the bridge’s importance to local communities.
The release by Baldwin and Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith highlighted past attempts by the Trump Administration to cut infrastructure funding, including threats against the $4.7-billion Gordie Howe International Bridge between Michigan and Ontario.
The Blatnik Bridge supports nearly $4 billion in goods and 265,000 trucks annually, as reported by Evers’ office. The Duluth-Superior port, the largest on the Great Lakes, depends heavily on it. Wisconsin and Minnesota are each contributing around $400 million to the project.
Evers also noted that missing deadlines escalates costs, with each year’s delay potentially adding $80 million due to inflation. “Delays will prolong closure and increase expenses,” he warned.
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