Legislative Supporters of Minn. Bridge Victims’ Fund Push for Early Deadline

Supporters of a special fund to compensate victims of last summer’s Minneapolis bridge collapse hope to have a law establishing the account passed by mid-March.

State Senator Ron Latz and Representative Ryan Winkler say they will strive to get a bill for the compensation fund on the governor’s desk by the Legislature’s spring recess.

The two Democrats say in a joint news release that legislative leaders have endorsed their timeline.

They say speed is essential because victims and their families are coping with financial hardships, including medical bills. An interim compensation fund was established in late November to help victims with some immediate needs.

The Interstate 35W bridge collapse on Aug. 1 killed 13 people and injured 145.

A hearing on the legislation is set for next Tuesday

Latest Comments

• January 19, 2008 at 1:43 am

  wudchuck says:

  funding, it was eventually going to get done by the state. it was just a matter of time. all the lawyers could get the bills suspended or paid and then wait on the state to pa... read more
• January 18, 2008 at 4:08 am

  Bob says:

  Stu I see your point but I don't think negligence has been or will ever be clearly established. The government may be found to be ultimately liable for damages but the article... read more
• January 18, 2008 at 2:56 am

  stu says:

  Bob: Nice story. Good to see you have a warm and fuzzy side, which wasn't evident in your earlier e-mail. There's just one problem with your logic. The State, I am confident, ... read more