Article Summary –
The U.S. Department of Transportation released $1.05 billion for the replacement of the John A. Blatnik Bridge, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, after concerns from Democratic leaders about delays impacting the region. State and federal Democrats, including Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, emphasized the necessity of timely construction to avoid inflation-related costs and maintain regional economic stability. While Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attributed the delay to a backlog from the previous Biden administration, criticism arose over the Trump administration’s initial funding pause and subsequent political dynamics, including Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany’s controversial stance given his opposition to the initial infrastructure law.
The U.S. Department of Transportation will distribute over $1 billion for a significant bridge replacement in northern Wisconsin, following Democratic leaders’ warnings of potential regional impacts due to delays.
The $1.05 billion, allocated through Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act grants signed by Joe Biden in 2021, will replace the John A. Blatnik Bridge between Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota. Constructed in 1961, the bridge supports approximately 33,000 vehicles daily.
Democrats, including Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin and Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, urged Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to approve the funds on March 2.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, highlighting inflation-related cost increases of $80 million per year if delayed, emphasized the project’s importance for local businesses and the Port of Duluth-Superior. On March 10, he addressed these concerns to Duffy.
By March 17, Duffy confirmed the fund release. “As a son of Wisconsin, I understand this bridge’s vital role in Superior and Duluth’s future,” Duffy stated in a news release. “Our team is ready to execute the project.”
Post-announcement, Democratic lawmakers criticized prior Trump administration delays.
“There’s no valid reason for the initial funding hold. I’m glad we compelled the Trump Administration to act,” Baldwin asserted in a statement.
Governor Evers echoed the funding’s necessity for a safer, efficient infrastructure benefiting Midwest families and businesses, as stated in a news release.
Duffy attributed the delay to a backlog from Biden and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, with 3,200 grants needing review.
During Trump’s early tenure, the DOT paused unfinalized grants to align with administrative priorities like climate and equity. Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, an infrastructure law opponent, acknowledged the bipartisan project support in a statement. However, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin criticized Tiffany for touting support for funding he opposed.
“Tiffany exemplifies a D.C. politician—claiming credit undeservedly,” stated Emily Stuckey, Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson.
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