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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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ATKINS SEEKS TO SAVE INVER GROVE HEIGHTS HISTORIC SWING BRIDGE
ST. PAUL - The historic Rock Island Swing Bridge that used to connect rail and car traffic between Inver Grove Heights and St. Paul Park is the only surviving bridge of its kind in the country. Built in 1894, the bridge has been a local icon for 115 years - even serving as an escape route in the 1930s for infamous bank robber John Dillinger. Despite its history, some want the bridge torn down. But State Representative Joe Atkins is working preserve and restore the bridge to serve a functional recreational purpose in Inver Grove Heights for years to come.
“If the bridge is destroyed, Inver Grove Heights will be losing one of its most important historical landmarks," said Rep. Atkins. “My hope is that we can preserve history, save money, and create a scenic amenity for our community to last another 100 years.”
Rep. Atkins has introduced a bill in the Minnesota Legislature (HF64) that would place a two-year moratorium on removing the western portion of the Rock Island Swing Bridge. Stalling demolition of the bridge span would give local decision-makers ample time to consider all options to restore and reuse the bridge. Atkins hope the bridge can one day be used as a recreational observation deck for citizens to use year-round. The National Park Service is on board with Atkins’ plan to preserve the bridge, recognizing the unique historical background of the structure. There is also broad support among Inver Grove Heights citizens to save the bridge.
“More than 1,000 people turned out last October when the National Park Service offered tours of the western portion of the bridge,” Atkins said. “The Swing Bridge presents one of the most unique and spectacular views of the Mississippi River anywhere from Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s an invaluable, nationally-recognized asset we need to do everything to preserve for our community and future generations.”
Questions about the bridge’s safety remain the only current impediment to preservation plans. After a partial collapse of the eastern portion of the bridge, Dakota and Washington counties received authority to use state disaster funds for removal of that portion of the bridge. Atkins and others do not object to removing the eastern portion of the bridge, or the middle portion that is currently obstructing the navigable channel. Still, supporters of the preservation plan maintain that the western portion can be salvaged because its structural integrity remains sound.
“The western portion of the bridge can still be saved,” stated Rep. Atkins. “If it is removed, it likely won’t be able to be put back in due to stringent regulations and extensive review processes by several bodies with authority over the river. The smart move here is to step back and consider all our options to preserve this important historical landmark.”
The City of Inver Grove Heights and the National Park Service have each expressed a mutual interest in ownership of the western section of the bridge. If Rep. Atkins’ proposal succeeds, the City and NPS will have the opportunity to pursue those plans, and consequently preserve the bridge for years to come.
“There is a shared interest and a common will to preserve the Rock Island Swing Bridge,” said Atkins. “We have a responsibility as a community to exhaust every reasonable avenue that will ensure the right decision is made here. I am convinced we can find a solution that saves money, preserves history, and provides a new recreational resource for all our citizens to enjoy.
Rep. Atkins’ bill is moving its way through the committee process. He encourages all residents of Inver Grove Heights to contact him directly with thoughts, questions, or concerns on this or any other legislative issue. Atkins can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4192 or by email at rep.joe.atkins@house.mn.
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