President Biden’s Visit to Superior Highlights $1 Billion to Replace Blatnik Bridge

SUPERIOR, WI. — President Joe Biden gave a speech Thursday on Bidenomics and infrastructure investments, including plans to replace the aging Blatnik Bridge, at Earth Rider Brewery.

President Biden arrived to a room filled with both Minnesota and Wisconsin residents. With the president came his campaign message, “investing in America.”

“So I’m here to announce more progress that shows that we can get big things done in America if we start believing in ourselves again and we start investing in America again.”

Biden announced Thursday nearly $5 billion in federal money for infrastructure projects nationwide. He noted the contributions of state leaders in attendance, such as Wisconsin State Senator Tammy Baldwin.

“This investment is creating good paying jobs, fixing our roads and bridges, making sure clean water is coming out of the faucets and connecting more Wisconsinites and Minnesotans with reliable high-speed internet,” said Baldwin.

Roughly $1 billion of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will go toward replacing a major, aging lifeline between Duluth and Superior.

“For decades people talked about replacing this bridge, but it never got done. Until today,” Biden remarked.

The John A. Blatnik Bridge has served the people of the twin ports and the local economy since 1961. It’s vital not only for residents, but businesses including the venue of Biden’s visit: Earth Rider Brewery.

Earth Rider Brewery CEO & Founder Tim Nelson had the honor of the big introduction. “Please join me in welcoming the President of the U.S., Joe Biden.”

Nelson went on to say, “many of our staff, suppliers, and customers live and work on either side of the St. Louis River Bay so we commute daily across the high bridge.”

Biden did note that some republicans voted for the infrastructure law but that quote, “the vast majority voted against it.”

“But you know what, that’s okay. We’re building projects every where no matter whether they voted for it or not,” said Biden.

From goods to human beings, the Blatnik Bridge transports tens of thousands of vehicles daily. Biden stated, rebuilding the bridge is not only beneficial to those who use it, but for the thousands of jobs it will create.

The President’s visit comes just one day after the United Auto Workers (UAW) announced their endorsement of his presidential campaign this election season.