Lift bridge restoration funding

If a new bridge is built across the St. Croix River between Stillwater and Wisconsin, money could be available to rehabilitate or demolish the current crossing.

Sponsored by Rep. Julie Bunn (DFL-Lake Elmo), HF1221 would create a Stillwater lift bridge endowment account in a special revenue fund and authorize appropriations and endowments for operation and routine maintenance of the current span after it is converted for non-motorized use. She said construction of a new bridge is scheduled to begin in 2013.

The House Finance Committee approved the bill April 20 on a split-voice vote and sent it to the House Ways and Means Committee. A companion, SF1005, sponsored by Sen. Kathy Saltzman (DFL-Woodbury), awaits action by the Senate Finance Committee.

“As part of the mitigation package related to the new crossing, the old Stillwater lift bridge is going to be converted to a pedestrian and bicycling bridge,” Bunn said. “This bill is unique in that we are creating an endowment account for funds to be used for basic operation and maintenance of that bicycle foot bridge once it has been converted to those purposes.”

The bill provides for appropriations from either state funds, federal funds, grants and private contributions or gifts. Money in the account would be invested by the State Board of Investment. An annual fund report would be due to the Legislature.

Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan) expressed concern of the precedent being set, instead of creating a nonprofit. “Is every single public historic place now going to be looking for the State Board of Investment, and using their leverage in investment?”

If Department of Transportation officials, in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office, deem it is best to demolish the current structure, federal and state money in the account can be used for that purpose. Under the bill, remaining fund money and all private gifts or contributions must be used to preserve other state historic bridges. Bunn said the general opinion of those involved with the project is that demolition is expected to “more than completely exhaust” money in the account.