Almanac: At the Capitol

A sad day for sure. Politicians are seizing the opportunity to comment. Here's a round up of what is in my email box this morning.

Statement of Senator Norm Coleman on the Anniversary of the I-35W Bridge Collapse

For Minnesotans, August 1st represents a hole in the calendar where we confront the pain of our past. One year ago, the I-35W Bridge collapsed, ending the lives of 13, injuring hundreds and disrupting the lives of untold thousands. It has been said that adversity doesn’t create character, it reveals it. In the days following the collapse we witnessed amazing acts of heroism, and they continue to this day. We also saw an unprecedented unity of effort, among all the branches and levels of government, without regard to party or position. Our single goal has been to raise a new bridge over our old river that we can be proud of, that we can trust, and that honors the memory of those who perished.

Franken Statement on Anniversary of 35W Bridge Tragedy
Saint Paul [08/01/08] - U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken released the following statement regarding today's one-year anniversary of the tragic collapse of the 35W bridge in Minneapolis. Franken will not be campaigning today, and the campaign will air no advertisements.

This anniversary is more than a sad reminder of the lives lost and irrevocably altered one year ago, it's also a reminder of how strong our community really is. We will never forget the stories of Minnesotans rushing towards the danger - into the water to save their neighbors. In the days following the tragedy, we made a firm commitment to rebuild. And forming over the Mississippi River every day, we see the results of that commitment. For Franni and me, this day will always be marked with solemn remembrance of what we have lost, and also a deep appreciation for what we retain and what we can build together.

Mn/DOT Web page provides I-35W bridge collapse one-year timeline, information

WHAT:
The Minnesota Department of Transportation's Web page, "One Year Later: The I-35W Bridge Collapse," provides a timeline of the bridge collapse and recovery events, as well as information about bridge inspections, repairs and replacement, the investigation into the collapse and the future of Minnesota bridges. The page also contains a message from Commissioner Tom Sorel and what Mn/DOT has been doing to improve the safety of Minnesota's bridges.

WHERE:
www.dot.state.mn.us/minnesotabridges

ST. PAUL – U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge collapse:

Today, Michelle and I join the people of Minnesota, and all Americans, to remember those who lost their lives in the tragic collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. As we remember and honor those we lost, we must also ensure that every possible step is taken to prevent future tragedies. That is why I will continue fighting to rebuild our crumbling roads and bridges, strengthen our national infrastructure, and make the safety of Americans a top priority.