Congressman Stauber and Secretary Duffy Deliver Over $1.05 Billion to Rebuild Blatnik Bridge
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the Department is delivering over $1.05 billion to replace the 65-year-old Blatnik Bridge on I-535 connecting Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin, across the St. Louis Bay.
“Today marks a tremendous milestone for our Northland communities. With the official disbursement of Blatnik funds, we will soon see ground break on this critical replacement project,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “For decades, the Blatnik Bridge has carried 33,000 vehicles daily, serving as a vital lifeline for commerce and commuting between the Twin Ports and the broader region. Yet, time has taken its toll, which is why I have made it a priority in my tenure to secure this investment for its replacement. Soon, we will see the launch of a project that will create union jobs, ensure stronger supply chains for industries, and guarantee smoother and safer commutes for workers and tourists. I’m proud to have helped bring this project across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing this bridge arise anew and unlock lasting economic benefits for the Twin Ports for generations to come.”
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are delivering critical dollars to rural America. This Department inherited an unprecedented Biden-Buttigieg backlog of 3,200 grants that were announced to much fanfare but never actually delivered,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “As a son of Wisconsin, I know just how vital this bridge is to the future of Superior and Duluth. After months of hard work, our team is ready to get this money out the door and shovels in the dirt. I want to thank Congressman Stauber for his tireless advocacy for this project on behalf of his constituents and Wisconsin neighbors to the south.”
Congressman Stauber has been a strong advocate for delivering these funds to Minnesota and Wisconsin. After Biden-Buttigieg passed over Minnesota DOT’s application for funding, Congressman Stauber led a bipartisan effort to get funds allocated.
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