Blatnick Bridge is a Big Ripple in our Region’s Economy
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Act is making important investments in our region that are worth acknowledging.
$1.8 billion Blatnik Bridge project just received its final funding approval, which means a lot of money will be spent in NW Wisconsin paying construction worker’s wages and hiring subcontractors. These workers will spend their wages on food, tools, clothes, vehicles, gas, local taxes, etc., solidifying our region’s economic sustainability for decades by giving over 33,000 drivers a safe route daily between Superior and Duluth, plus 265,000 trucks, hauling $4 billion of freight annually. It will streamline freight routes for loads that are now too heavy for the 60-year old bridge, and small business owners and residents can rely on timely deliveries. Safe reliable transportation routes keep our economy flowing.
Finally, the Infrastructure Act is bringing $14.8 million to Barron, Polk, Burnett, and Washburn Counties for high speed internet expansion with Dairyland Power Cooperative doing the implementation. But back in 2011, $23 million in federal stimulus money was available for improved broadband connections for 380 Wisconsin communities, 385 libraries, and 82 schools, according to the Capital Times. The money could also have been used “to improve police, fire department and hospital communications in rural areas,” according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reporting at the time. Also at that time, U.S. Congressman Thomas Tiffany represented the 12th district in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Think of the economic benefits that were lost in our part of Wisconsin as Governor Walker and the State Legislature rejected that money.
Additionally, $4.4 million is coming to Burnett County for roads, bridges, airports, and superfund clean up.
These are basic needs to uphold our economy and investing now is cost-efficient, avoiding disruptions and longer, more expensive transportation costs. In making these investments , the government directs our tax dollars toward improving everyone’s quality of life.
President Biden made this campaign promise and kept it by getting the Infrastructure Act passed, which made the money available. Senator Baldwin made sure the Blatnik bridge funds came to Wisconsin. State and county governments worked together to pull funds into Wisconsin for other projects. While demonstrating that the government can accomplish big things in a bipartisan way, benefiting all of us, Senator Johnson and Rep Tiffany voted against it, but by all appearances, they now support it because it’s good for the area.
Last year, economists were predicting a recession, but undervalued the fact that our economy was and is strong, especially compared to other countries. Using language that seeks unity, compromise, and civility, President Biden provides qualities in leadership that leverage and recognize our combined talents, a mark of effective leadership. That is key to why our economy is strong and growing stronger.
President Biden is doing a good job serving all Americans. Bipartisanship and effective governance is Not dead. You just need to know where to look!
Peter Truitt
Danbury