City won't get $1 million in federal help for collapse

Last update: July 19, 2008 - 11:12 PM

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Minnesota bridges rated: An interactive map of bridges that are "structurally deficient," "functionally obsolete" or have gusset plates like those on the I-35W bridge.

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The federal government has rejected nearly $1 million in 35W bridge collapse expenses that the city of Minneapolis hoped to have reimbursed.

The city had asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover some cleanup and rebuilding costs after the bridge collapse last year.

The federal agency said no, and the city appealed. The agency denied those appeals this week in two letters to the city.

FEMA says it will not pay about 24 percent of the city's $3.9 million reimbursement request. That's about $929,000 the city won't get back.

Minneapolis City Council member Paul Ostrow says he's disappointed in the ruling. A committee he chairs will get a full briefing on the matter Monday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS