Franken Visits Stillwater As He Considers Bridge
STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) -- A decades-old debate over a new St. Croix River bridge is drawing U.S. Sen. Al Franken to Stillwater.
The Democrat from Minnesota visits the city on Saturday to meet with local officials and tour the 80-year-old lift bridge.
Franken hasn't taken a position on a long-delayed proposal from state transportation officials for a new four-lane bridge opposed by environmental groups.
Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton teamed up with Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann last month to show support for the state Transportation Department proposal to span the river between Minnesota and Wisconsin. It could cost as much as $690 million.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar also has visited the bridge and said she supports a new one.
Elected officials aren't unanimous on the issue -- Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum opposes the proposed bridge.
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