For Immediate Release

Date: July 21, 2011

Contact:
Jim Rickard · 651-230-1992
Margaret Levin · 651-261-2713 · .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Sensible Stillwater Bridge is balanced and reasonable compromise, Sierra Club says

Minneapolis, MN – Today, the Sierra Club North Star Chapter announced its decision to support the Sensible Stillwater Bridge plan, an alternative design unveiled July 12 by a partnership of Stillwater residents and other groups.

“We have long called on state and federal leaders to honor the protected status of the St. Croix by rejecting the current blufftop-to-blufftop, $690 million boondoggle, and to put all options on the table,” said Jim Rickard, Sierra Club St. Croix Valley group spokesperson. “This is an opportunity to change course and get it right.”

The “Sensible Bridge” design would begin just south of downtown Stillwater and cross diagonally to Wisconsin Highway 64. A reversible lane would accommodate peak travel demand. The bridge would rise about 100 feet closer to the water than the current proposed bridge.

This design has never been evaluated by Mn/DOT. While it shares characteristics of designs which were studied in the stakeholder process of the early 2000’s, and the Environmental Impact Statement alternatives analysis that resulted in the current St. Croix Crossing proposal, it differs in significant ways. The most similar looking proposal studied at that time (Alternative D) was a 4-lane freeway style bridge, very different from the 3-lane, 40 mph “Sensible Bridge.” Today, that 2005 Alternative D design would cost, if risk and inflation are added, as much as $635 million, more than double the estimate of the new Sensible proposal.

“We have analyzed the Sensible proposal and believe it is consistent with community needs, federal protections and preserving the character of the river,” said Margaret Levin, State Director of the Sierra Club North Star Chapter. “This less-costly approach, in a time of a projected $5 billion state deficit, will also free up needed funds to address urgent transportation needs across the state.”

“Some question the need for a new bridge, and advocate for fixing up the historic lift bridge. However, the Sierra Club’s leadership deems this a balanced and reasonable compromise,” said Rickard. “The Sierra Club will support the Sensible Bridge.”