Rep. Stauber ‘confident’ Blatnik Bridge funding not in jeopardy

Rep. Peter Stauber (R-MN 8th District) released a statement Thursday, January 23, saying that he is confident that Blatnik Bridge funding is not in jeopardy after an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day back in office.
Rep. Stauber’s full statement reads as follows:
“I am confident that funding for the replacement of the Blatnik Bridge is NOT in jeopardy because it is a traditional infrastructure project that greatly benefits the region. Incoming Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy especially understands this since he used to represent Superior, Wisconsin, and I will be sure to communicate with him on this matter. I applaud the Trump Administration for conducting reviews to ensure the American taxpayers’ money is spent wisely. For example, Green New Deal initiatives like $7.4 billion on EV charging stations will likely be rescinded since they only managed to build 11 over the last three years. The American people want their leaders to be responsible stewards of their taxpayer dollars, and we will do just that.”
The “Unleashing American Energy” executive order pauses funds received from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and requires agencies to submit a report for review to the federal government within 90 days to retain access to the previously approved funding.
Last year, it was announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded Duluth and Superior with $1,058,398,200 to replace the Blatnik Bridge.
According to the Department of Transportation, the replacement bridge will address geometric deficiencies, increase capacity, and create a new shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians to access both states easily.