"A bridge in America just shouldn't fall down." -- Sen. Amy Klobuchar
en. Klobuchar's simple statement summarizes the thoughts of every Minnesotan this week following the disaster of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse.
But the fact remains that the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in downtown Minnesota did suffer a major structural failure and simply fell into the river.
Minnesota needs to find out why and how this major disaster occurred. This need is not to lay blame on one politician or any government department. The goal is to find out why in order to prevent it from happening again.
First, we extend our thoughts and prayers to all the individuals and their families injured or killed in the I-35W bridge collapse.
ADVERTISEMENT
Second, we commend the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, which have been outstanding. We commend all those individuals -- local, state and federal -- involved in the response to the I-35W bridge collapse.
Third, our leaders -- federal, state and Minneapolis politicians -- are all moving quickly to provide the necessary response to this Minnesota tragedy.
All Minnesotans who saw the aftermath of the I-35W bridge disaster will remember Wednesday as they remember Sept. 11.
As the dust of the I-35W bridge collapse settled, the Minnesota transportation debate shifted.
The I-35W disaster is forcing Gov. Tim Pawlenty, the Legislature and the Minnesota Department of Transportation to look for answers.
Today's reality is that Pawlenty and legislators are going to have to find some cooperative spirit to solve the Minnesota transportation funding issue.
Minnesota cannot afford another bridge collapse.
