Resolution Supporting the Construction 
of the St. Croix River Crossing Project Bridge

Resolution 2011-01

Town of Somerset, St. Croix County, Wisconsin


WHEREAS, the Town of Somerset has long supported construction of a new bridge to replace the obsolete lift bridge between St. Croix County, Wisconsin and Washington, County, Minnesota as part of the St. Croix River Crossing Project; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Somerset Town Board has monitored the progress thus far of the St. Croix River Crossing Project bridge structure selection process and bridge location selection process; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Somerset Town Board continues to recognize the urgent need to construct the proposed new bridge to connect Wisconsin State Trunk Highway 35/64 and Minnesota State Highway 36; and

WHEREAS, the National Park Service on October 15, 2010 determined that the St. Croix River Crossing Project would have “direct and adverse effects” on the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, thus reversing the 2003-2006 mediation process that produced a recommended alternative; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the National Park Service determination the new bridge cannot be constructed unless the Congress of the United States intervenes, 

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Town of Somerset Town Board asks the Congress of the United States to exempt the St. Croix River Crossing Project from the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act so that construction of the proposed new bridge may begin.

FURTHER, be it resolved that the Town of Somerset Town Board requests the Congressional delegations from Wisconsin and Minnesota to unanimously sponsor the requested exemption.

FURTHER, be it resolved that copies of this resolution be forwarded to U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives from both states, Governors of both States, State Legislators that represent St. Croix County, Wisconsin and Washington County, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Minnesota Department of Transportation officials, the Mayors of the Cities of Hudson and New Richmond, Wisconsin and Stillwater and Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, the Presidents of the Villages of Somerset and North Hudson, Wisconsin, Chairs of the Town Boards of Hudson and St. Joseph, Wisconsin and the County Board Chairs of St. Croix County, Wisconsin and Washington County, Minnesota.


I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution #2011-01 was duly adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Somerset at a legal meeting held on the 2nd day of March, 2011.



						___________________________________
						Ed Schachtner, Town Chairman


						___________________________________
						Shane Demulling, Town Supervisor


						___________________________________
						Lenny Germain, Town Supervisor


						___________________________________
						Douglas Plourde, Town Supervisor

						
						___________________________________
						Larry Rauch, Town Supervisor



Attest: _____________________________________
	Jeri Koester, Town Clerk/Treasurer