One Year Ago: President Obama Signs St. Croix River Crossing Legislation

It was one year ago Thursday when President Barack Obama signed legislation into law exempting the St. Croix River Crossing Project from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

His signature allowed plans for constructing the St. Croix River Crossing to move forward.

Check out this photo Micheal Foley took of a crew drilling along 35 and taking samples for construction of the new river crossing.

Sixth District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann released the following statement today:

“One year ago, one of the longest unfinished bridge projects in the history of the United States began to come to a close, when President Obama signed the St. Croix River Crossing Project legislation. A major victory for Minnesota, the new four-lane bridge will increase safety and bring jobs and economic growth to our state. I couldn’t be more excited to watch this important project continue to progress.

When I began working on this project 20 years ago as a young mother living in the community, I never imagined that it would take an act of Congress to make this common-sense bridge a reality. I am beyond thrilled that after all this time, and after all the long hours put in by so many people, this bridge is finally being built. This was truly a bipartisan team effort, and I want to thank Senator Klobuchar, Senator Franken, Governor Dayton and everyone who dedicated so much time and effort to make this bridge a reality. It shows what can be done when people work together.

The St. Croix River Crossing legislation, S.1134, passed the Senate with unanimous consent on January 23, 2012. The bill passed the House on March 1, 2012 by a vote of 339-80. President Obama signed it into law on March 14, 2012. Foundation work will begin next month, and the bridge is scheduled for completion in 2016."

Here's a glimpse of comments from elected officals following the exemption on March 14, 2012:

“This effort is an example of what can get done when people put politics aside and do what is best for our state.” – Senator Amy Klobuchar, March 14, 2012

“This is a huge victory that wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of so many dedicated people. My thanks to the President for signing Senator Klobuchar and Congresswoman Bachmann’s bill into law today.” – Senator Al Franken, March 14, 2012

“I am delighted to see this important project move forward; this new bridge is urgently needed. … Thank you to Congresswoman Bachmann, Senator Klobuchar, Governor Walker of Wisconsin Stillwater Mayor Harycki, and all of our partners on this project.” – Governor Mark Dayton, March 1, 2012

“This legislation was a top federal priority for my administration and is a great example of bipartisanship teamwork that will create thousands of jobs.” – Governor Scott Walker, March 1, 2012

“Today we celebrate an important victory. … I’m proud that my colleagues and I were able to come together to see this important project through.” – Representative Ron Kind, March 14, 2012

“We are fortunate to see our region’s elected officials working together across party lines to fight for the needs of their constituents. We are especially thankful to Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Representatives Michele Bachmann, Ron Kind, and Sean Duffy for their hard work on behalf of the St. Croix River Valley.” – Stillwater Mayor Ken Harycki and John Soderberg, Co-chairs of the Coalition for the St. Croix River Crossing, March 1, 2012