To: U.S. Congressman Erik Paulsen, United States Congresman

Fix our Infrastructure

We, the citizens of Minnesota’s Third Congressional District petition you, Congressman Erik Paulsen to pursue legislation leading to the repair, reconstruction and replacement of our nation’s infrastructure.

It deeply concerns us, having experienced the collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge seven years ago, that nothing has been done to remedy the failing infrastructure of this great nation, the wealthiest country on earth.

We implore you to author legislation to begin the total reconstruction of our highways, bridges, railroads and other infrastructure that will modernize a system that is more than 100 years old in some cases.

The citizens of MInnesota’s Third Congressional District

Why is this important?

I used to drive for a living and my trips took me over and under the Interstate 35 W bridge several times a week, frequently on a Friday afternoon between 5 and 5:30 p.m.. On the day the 35 bridge collapsed I had left work 4:30 and was in my kitchen preparing dinner when the story hit the airwaves. Every time I see the picture I am reminded that I could have been under that rubble.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 70,000 bridges throughout America are deemed “Structurally Deficient”. Corporate America,, local and state leaders, and even the conservative U.S. Chamber of Commerce are asking for massive investments in bridges, roads, railways and airports. According to the story, 30,000 well paying jobs would be created for every $1 billion of investment.

It is time for Americans to say “Enough! Stop avoiding the problem and start fixing it!”. This is why I’ve started this petition. Please sign it, pass this e-mail on to your friends and relatives and have them sign it. Erik Paulsen won re-election in November with 167,515 votes. Our goal is 167,515 signatures by the end of this year. If he is confronted with the same number of signatures as votes won, he would be compelled to act on our request.

Sincerely,

Joe Cherra