The Coalition for the St. Croix River Crossing has been recognized by Politics in Minnesota and the Capitol Report as a 2012 Leader in Public Policy Achievement in Transportation.

“The independent panel chose the Coalition because plans to replace the Stillwater Lift Bridge have been attempted for decades,” said Event Coordinator Courtney Freng. “The Coalition for the St. Croix River Crossing was able to get results in about a year, with widespread support from both the general public and politicians from both sides of the aisle. Their support was strong in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the business and labor communities.”

Politics in Minnesota and the St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions toward Minnesota’s political, public policy or civic environment during the state’s current fiscal year or 2012 legislative session.

Nominations were received from people who followed the 2012 Legislative session, a news release states. A bi-partisan panel then read through the nominations and decided on the top candidates for the award.

“The honorees reflect a wide range of interests, political thought and years of experience at the Capitol,” Steven Jahn, vice president and publisher of Finance & Commerce, Inc., stated in a news release. “This was our third year giving the Leaders in Public Policy Awards, with many nominations from new sources.”

A program honoring winners will be held Tuesday, July 10, from 4-7 p.m. at the St. Paul Hotel.

Here’s a full list of those recognized as 2012 Leaders in Public Policy:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Rep. Tom Rukavina
• Business: Rep. Dan Fabian, Sen. Bill Ingrebrigtsen and Jeff Smith, Pollution Control Agency for new reforms in environmental streamlining
• Labor: Shar Knutson, AFL-CIO; Harry Melander, MN State Building & Construction Trades Council
• One to Watch: Rep. Kurt Daudt; Sen. Ted Lillie; Rep. Erin Murphy
• Top Legislative Staffer: Chas Anderson, House of Representatives GOP Caucus; Holly Iverson and Christine Kiel, House GOP Caucus Health and Human Services
• Unsung Hero: Jenny Engh, Cargill; Sarah Walker, MN Second Chance Coalition
• Public Policy Achievement (Health): David Brown, Hennepin County and Iris Freeman, Center for Elderly Justice and Policy
• Public Policy Achievement (Transportation): Coalition for the St. Croix River Crossing
• Public Policy Achievement (Sports): Lester Bagley, Minnesota Vikings; Sen. Julie Rosen; Rep. Morrie Lanning; and Gov. Mark Dayton