Minnesota lags in bridge spending, report finds
by The Associated Press
 
WASHINGTON -- A U.S. House report says Minnesota was tied for last in the percentage of federal bridge funds it actually spent on bridges over a five-year period.

The House Transportation Committee reports that from 2002 through 2007, Minnesota spent only 51 percent of its available Highway Bridge Program funds on bridges.

That's tied with Arizona for last. The rate for all states during that period was 89 percent, the committee said.

Last year, 13 people were killed and more than 100 were injured in the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis.

The report was prepared in connection with legislation by the committee chairman, Minnesota Democrat Jim Oberstar.