Collapsed Bridge Had Known Structural Problems

A day after Wednesday’s deadly rush-hour bridge collapse in Minneapolis, the Bush administration acknowledged that the interstate freeway bridge had been known to be “structurally deficient” for at least two years—while carefully pointing out that the Minnesota government was responsible for its upkeep.

AP via Jacksonville Daily News:

President Bush pledged federal help in rebuilding the bridge in the city that will host next year’s Republican National Convention.

“We in the federal government must respond, and respond robustly, to help the people there not only recover, but to make sure that lifeline of activity _ that bridge _ gets rebuilt as quickly as possible,” Bush said in the Rose Garden after a Cabinet meeting.

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AP Photo / Pioneer Press, Scott Takeshi, www.twincities.com

At least four fatalities have been confirmed in Wednesday’s catastrophe.