A controversial proposed bridge over the St. Croix River between Wisconsin and Minnesota has cleared a big hurdle: Congress has approved a bill exempting the project from the requirements of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The statute bars federally funded projects that would harm such rivers' scenic qualities.
The Senate approved the measure in January. House passage, which came on March 1 on a strong 339-80 vote, is the final congressional action on the measure. The bill now goes to the White House.