Minnesota–Wisconsin Interstate Bridge Dispute Resolved
Consideration of a replacement bridge crossing over the St. Croix began in the early 1970s, but was not pursued because of a lack of funding. In the 1980s, the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration began working with communities to identify possible solutions for a replacement crossing.
The lift bridge as well as buildings throughout the area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Historic archaeological sites are found adjacent to the riverbanks. The river valley also supports an abundance of wildlife and aquatic species, including endangered species.
In April 1995, a final Environmental Impact Statement was completed, and work began on the final design of the river crossing and the approach roadways. Right-of-way was acquired, and site preparation work was initiated. In 1996, the National Park Service evaluated the project and found that, as proposed, it would have a direct and adverse effect on the scenic and recreational values for which the River was included in the National Wild and Scenic River System. As a result, federal permits from the Army Corps and the Coast Guard could not be issued, and the project was not allowed to proceed.
By 2000, gridlock had developed among seven federal and six state agencies over three issues— how to address transportation needs in the face of issues of historic preservation and environmental protection. In 2001, the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, was asked to make a conflict assessment to determine if a negotiated agreement would be feasible.
In 2002 following the assessment, the parties agreed to participate in a collaborative problem-solving process. A group of 27 agency and non-agency stakeholders began meeting to find a solution, as described above.
Download a case report documenting the resolution of the controversy.