Almanac: At the Capitol

Lawmakers have more questions for state officials. Another hearing will likely take place next Tuesday or Thursday at the Capitol, although the Senate Transit Subcommittee Chair Scott Dibble says that's not soon enough. Committee chairs didn't expect to get to Met Council Chair Peter Bell and other officials. Bell has been outspoken against an LRT line on the new 35W bridge. The hearing today was standing-room-only that spilled into another room. It was emotional. Former Transportation Chair Republican Rep. Mary Liz Holberg almost cried as she talked about the nation watching as we spend their tax dollars. Others countered that taxpayers are willing to pay for a bridge done right. Rail, buses, taxes, timelines are all still up in the air. It's interesting that MNDOT Commissioner Carol Molnau attended the hearing, but did not testify. Questions still swirl if she will survive this bridge collapse.

Here's the email I got from a viewer along with alarming photos you have to see:

Here is the Highway 36 bridge as it passes over Minnesota 95N in Bayport just before you veer left and go down the hill into Stillwater. I cross my fingers each time I drive under it. This "patch" has been in place for at least 5 years.

Another interesting article is from a former Strib reporter working for Matt Entenza's think tank. Also, KARE did some good digging on the story. Tonight on Almanac, we're planning a special 90 minute edition. We're likely to have U.S. House Transportation Chair James Oberstar, Sen. Norm Coleman and Mayor R.T. Rybak live on the show. State Capitol transportation experts Sen. Steve Murphy and Rep. Mary Liz Holberg are booked. We're still waiting to hear back from Gov. Pawlenty...