Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Minnesota Nice * I-35W

Minnesotans have shown their true colors with displays heroism and unconditional support. Through this tragedy we will rediscover the pride we have in our fellow citizens.

Things you may need to know:

- The Holiday Inn central has been designated as the Family Check in point.

- Traffic Access Plan will appear on the City of Minneapolis Website

- Donate Blood

- Concerned families should contact Red Cross
City officials are asking concerned family members who are checking on folks who may be involved in the bridge collapse over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis to call the Red Cross at (612) 871-7676. If callers get a voicemail, please leave contact information and Red Cross volunteers will get back as soon as possible with any information they have.
- Bus Service:
Metro Transit said 25 extra busses will be put into service from six until nine Thursday morning to supplement existing transit service from the park-and-ride locations. There will be staff on hand to help new customers needing assistance.
- The Twins game for Thursday is postponed.
Thursday's Twins-Royals afternoon game has been postponed in light of the tragic I-35W bridge collapse that took place in Minneapolis on Wednesday night.

The team has also postponed Thursday evening's groundbreaking ceremony for the new ballpark.
Joint Statement by Minnesota's Senators:
Washington, D.C. – Minnesota Senators Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar send their thoughts and prayers to the people of Minnesota, and pledge the full support of the federal government in the wake of tonight’s tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis, MN. Senators Coleman and Klobuchar have been in constant contact with Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, and will travel to Minneapolis with the Secretary in the morning to survey the damage and recovery efforts. They have pledged to ensure every available federal resource makes its way to Minnesota immediately, and to help the Minnesota Department of Transportation move forward.

“In light of today’s disaster, we send our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. This is a tragic day for the state, and must first focus on rescue and recovery. The people of Minnesota should know we will devote the full resources of the government in any way possible,” said Coleman. “The Secretary of Transportation assured me that a thorough and complete forensic investigation will be conducted, which I hope will produce a definitive answer as to why this unbelievable disaster has occurred. We must ensure that a catastrophe like the one that happened today never occurs again.”

“This tragedy hits so close to home – in fact, within a mile of my family’s home,” said Klobuchar, a former Hennepin County Attorney and long-time Minneapolis resident. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the many people affected by this evening’s shocking bridge collapse. Most importantly, we are grateful to the many first responders who have moved so quickly to help the victims of this unfortunate accident,” said Klobuchar. “On behalf of the entire Minnesota delegation, we are committed to working together to bring all available federal resources to bear in the wake of this tragedy.”

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