Rep. Rick Hansen sends out occassional e-mail updates to subscribers, here is one he sent earlier today:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to people and their families caught in the I-3W Bridge Disaster last night. Events such as this cause reflection and thought. Who? What? When? Where? How? Why? We can be proud of the professional first response by our police, fire and rescue. Also, volunteers rushed forward to help and many responders worked long and heroic hours trying to help.
Many of us are wondering what we can do to help our fellow Minnesotans in the wake of this event. To donate money, call 612-460-3700 or mail donations to: American Red Cross – Twin Cities Area Chapter, NW 5597, Box 1450, Minneapolis, MN 55485-5597. I have had many phone calls and emails today asking about the Bridge Collapse. The following are a couple of reports; one ten years old and the other recent regarding bridges, roads and repair.
1997 LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR REPORT ON HIGHWAY SPENDING
This report examines the current (1997) condition of Minnesota's trunk highway system, including bridges, and analyzes the cost of preserving the quality of the system in the future. Generally, the report concludes that current (1997) highway and bridge quality is good, but that the cost of preserving the quality of the system will probably increase.MINNESOTA 2020 REPORT
An article from Minnesota 2020 on structurally deficient/functionally obsolete bridges may be found at their website: Minnesota 2020
Also attached is a statement by leaders of the MN House and Senate. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.
Rick Hansen
State Representative
401 State Office Building
(651) 296-6828