Walz Trolls MN Republican Celebrating Bridge He Voted Against

DULUTH, MN — Plans for a new bridge connecting northern Minnesota to Wisconsin are drawing praise from across political and geographical boundaries. More than $1.05 billion in federal funds were awarded Monday to help replace the aging John A. Blatnik Bridge between Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota.

The plans are so popular, they're even drawing praise from one Republican congressman who voted against the bill that made the project possible.

"This is a HUGE win for #MN08 and I was proud to advocate for these funds!" Rep. Pete Stauber said on X after the Biden Administration announced the news Monday.

Stauber did not mention that the funding was allocated as part of the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which he voted against in 2021.

But Democratic Gov. Tim Walz was quick to remind Stauber of this, replying on social media: "Oh boy. I hate to talk politics when there’s good news to celebrate but this is too brazen to ignore. Mr. Stauber voted against every screw, steel beam, and concrete pier in this bridge. Luckily @POTUS worked with Stauber’s colleagues and got it done without him. Thanks, Joe!"

Built in 1961, the Blatnik Bridge has served as a crucial link between Superior and Duluth over Interstate 535 and US 53. The bridge is jointly owned and operated by the Wisconsin and Minnesota Departments of Transportation.

Transit officials estimate that more than 33,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day, including commuters and visitors. Additionally, about 265,000 trucks transporting nearly $4 billion in goods pass over the Blatnik Bridge.

On top of the federal funding, Wisconsin and Minnesota have each already committed $400 million in program funding toward the project.

"This is big news for Minnesota. This investment will make it possible for Minnesota and Wisconsin to rebuild a critical connection between our states that will foster regional economic growth, strengthen our national supply chains, and improve the safety and reliability of our transportation network,” Walz said in a joint news release with Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers.

"This is a project that will serve hundreds of communities between our states. I am grateful for the partnership of Gov. Evers, our Congressional leaders, and the White House in making this project happen."