Coalition Statement Following the St. Croix River Crossing Hearing Before the U.S. Senate

Stillwater Mayor Ken Harycki was among those who on behalf of a bill that would exempt the St. Croix River Crossing from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. 

Harycki drove with his family from Stillwater to Washington D.C. to testify as Stillwater Mayor and the Co-chair of the Coalition for the St. Croix River Crossing.

The Coalition released the following statement following the hearing:

"We urge Congress to pass this legislation to bring a positive conclusion to the decades-long effort to solve a growing regional transportation problem in the Twin Cities metropolitan area," the Coalition stated in a press release following the hearing. "An exhaustive planning process found that the St. Croix River Crossing is the best solution that balances the region’s needs. 

The St. Croix River Crossing is the only bridge plan that has been reviewed and approved, and is ready to move forward.  It’s time for action.  This issue and potential solutions have been studied for years.  It’s time to act because if we miss this chance to build this bridge, we will have to wait years for another opportunity to replace a bridge that celebrated its 80th birthday in July.  Minnesota and Wisconsin are ready to start work on this important regional project.

The community has already heard “yes” three times from regulators.  We are asking Congress to say “yes” for a fourth time, enabling us to finally get started on construction."

Testimony from today’s hearing, as well as submitted testimony and resolutions of support from the local community, can be found by following the links below:

* Stillwater Mayor Ken Harycki

* Cory Buettner, owner of Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop in Stillwater

* Gary Kriesel, chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners

* Matt Kramer, president of the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce

* Jay Lund, chief executive officer of Andersen Corporation

* Harry Melander, president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council

* Ryan Sicard, president of the St. Croix County Economic Development Corporation

*Daryl Standafer, chairman of the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors

* The Gateway Transit Corridor resolution

* Washington County Board of Commissioners resolution of support