Bachmann wants $700M fed funds for bridge (it's not an earmark, it's a transportation project)

[The Straight Story]

Bachmann, McCollum spar over St. Croix bridge project

A bill by the Republican that would bypass federal law to allow the $700 million project drew immediate opposition from her Democrat counterpart.

Two members of Minnesota's congressional delegation are at odds over a bid to supersede federal law to allow construction of a $700 million, four-lane bridge over the St. Croix River.

U.S. Rep Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., introduced a bill Tuesday that would exempt the St. Croix River Crossing Project from the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Last October, the National Park Service ruled the bridge planned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) did not comply with the law, and was a detriment to the river.
...

Bachmann, who has railed against federal earmarks, has also said transportation projects don't fall under that definition.

"I urge my colleagues to support this bill so that the citizens of Minnesota and Wisconsin can safely cross the St. Croix River," Bachmann said in a news statement. "These citizens count on their elected officials to recognize the need for infrastructure and my bill responds to their pleas for a new crossing."

http://www.startribune.com/local/east/117169693.html

[Mister Ed]

1. We desperately need a bridge here in Stillwater

Our hundred-year-old bridge is about to save us the cost of demolition by falling into the river of its own accord. If you read the Star-Tribune article, you'll understand that I'm not really exaggerating.

I just wish Bachmann, and modern conservatives in general, could understand that it's penny-wise and pound foolish to let the infrastructure deteriorate to this point. Conservatives are fond of saying that "Government ought to be run like a business". Well, what the hell do they think happens to a business that won't reinvest in itself?

I also wonder what took Bachmann so long. She's had four long years to ride to the rescue of her constituents on this. I guess its hard to fit it in, what with the endless media appearances and such.

[Kennah]

2. She must use this bridge for her hair helmet appointments

[Jmaxfie1]

3. Then raise state taxes if you need a bridge. n/t

[The Straight Story]

4. I think her logic would be - lower taxes on the rich, will create more jobs, pay for bridge

with the increase in revenue.

See how that works?

[Jmaxfie1]

5. You, betcha, lol n/t