Bridge lobbying group to return $80K contribution

A rendering shows a plan to replace the nearly 80-year-old Stillwater Lift Bridge between Wisconsin and Minnesota. (Rendering courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Transportation)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A lobbying group for a proposed St. Croix River bridge plans to return an $80,000 contribution.

Group spokesman Mike Zipko said the Coalition for the St. Croix River Crossing will send back the money given by Stillwater.

Zipko told the St. Paul Pioneer Press the nonprofit group hopes to put the controversy to rest by returning the money.

The group supports the construction of a $690 million four-lane bridge over the river between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The project would require approval of Congress to grant an exemption from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which limits development along the St. Croix.

Some members of the public oppose the project. Last week Minnesota state Auditor Rebecca Otto criticized Stillwater’s involvement with the lobbying group.

Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, http://www.twincities.com

More on the bridge

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• House eyes Stillwater bridge vote (UPDATE)
• Time ticking on Stillwater bridge (UPDATE)
• Stillwater span clears hurdle 
• House panel approves Stillwater Bridge bill 
• Bridge lobbying group to return $80K contribution
• Auditor finds $80K misspent on Stillwater bridge (UPDATE)
• MnDOT rejects alternate Stillwater bridge proposal
• Minn. nixes Stillwater bridge alternative (UPDATE)