Biden announces $1B to replace bridge linking Wisconsin and Minnesota, part of $5B infrastructure investment across U.S.

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President Biden traveled to Superior, Wis., to announce $1 billion in funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace the deteriorating John A. Blatnik Bridge. Biden said the funding is part of a $5 billion for infrastructure projects in bridges, highways, ports and airports.

Video Transcript

JOE BIDEN: Two years later, I came back to the Blatnik Bridge. I was here two years ago. The last time I was here, I came with Tammy. And we're now back this time because we know-- we knew this bridge needed a lot of work. Tammy didn't let me forget that, either.

[LAUGHTER]

You know, that bridge opened in 1961. And it connects Minnesota and Wisconsin-- you know better than anyone in the world-- and over the Lewis Bay. It's a vital link of our nation's economy.

But you also know this bridge is in badly corroded condition. It's unsafe for trucks to carry oversize, overweight loads, causing drivers lengthy detours, increasing cost and delays. Its outdated design, tight curves, have led to higher-than-average car accident rates, traffic congestion.

For decades, people talked about replacing this bridge. But it never got done, until today.

[CHEERS, APPLAUSE]

Till today. I [? mean ?] [? it. ?]

And I'm proud to announce $1 billion from the bipartisan infrastructure law will be used to build this new bridge-- a new bridge that will increase capacity for large trucks and oversized loads, a new bridge with a modern design, wider shoulders, smoother on- and off-ramps, a new bridge with a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.

- Woo!

JOE BIDEN: And I want to credit your governor-- and I mean this sincerely-- and your state legislature for coming up with the matching money to invest in this bridge. Otherwise, it wouldn't have gotten done with your own funding. This investment is going to make a huge difference.

And this funding is part of a larger $5 billion investment led by the Department of Transportation for 37 major projects across America, including bridges, highways, ports, airports.