The prospect of the Stillwater Lift Bridge being locked in the 'up' position during the looming state government shutdown has U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann reminding everyone of the urgency of a new St. Croix River crossing. Bachmann, who represents the district as she runs for president, urged Congress on Friday to give "immediate attention" to bills she and Sen. Amy Klobuchar have introduced allowing a river crossing to move forward. It's doubtful relief is coming from Congress by the July 1 deadline for a budget deal in Minnesota, but, as they say in Washington, never let a crisis go to waste. Federal regulation, Bachmann also noted, require drawbridges (which includes lift bridges) to be left open if operator service is not available.
