MN bridge collapse

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

It is sad that the Bridge collapsed but I think that structures like that are just taken for granted over the years and not repaired or replaced as promptly as they should be.I also don't think these older bridges were designed for BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC like we have now days!The bumper to bumper traffic seems to come much later in years when the population in the surrounding areas grows by leaps and bounds.And by then the weakening of the Bridges from daily use from years of service and added weight in paving repairs etc over time and then the BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC WEIGHT is just too much for these OLD BRIDGES to handle. Of course this is just my opinion.I will say this that If I have to get in that kind of traffic and go over an older bridge I would have some CONCERNS FOR SAFETY for myself and others about crossing those bridges!!My Prayers surely go out to all those affected by this terrible disaster in Minnesota.

[71-LS6]

For years, some states have been "diverting" gas & diesel tax revenues from their intended use i.e. MAINTENANCE & REPAIR of roads and bridges. Instead the funds collected at the pump have gone into the state's general fund, and then on to who knows where. I do not know if MN. did this, but this tragic situation should also serve as a wake-up call to legislators who routinely squander tax dollars for purposes other than they were originally intended. My heart goes out to the victims and their families.

[Chateau Slate 66]

We recently passed a law stating that the money collected from gas tax is required to go to transportation. The problem is that it is also required that a MINIMUM of 60% be used for mass transit (light rail, buses, etc.) and a MAXIMUM of 40% be used for road repair.

Overall, Minnesota is a wealthy state with a large tax base. I don't think there is any other state in the union that is better at squandering its tax money.

[Belair62]

Been to Illinois lately ?

[JChlupsa]

Hawaii would rate right up with Illinois as well if not be a dead tie.

[Chateau Slate 66]

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Been to Illinois lately ?

[/ QUOTE ]

You guys must have lots of tax money left over. People travel by bus from Chicago once a month to pick up their welfare checks here. (No Joke!) It was on the news about people coming here on a Greyhound bus that have a fake address in town and are on the local payroll.

Also, not that we don't have enough of our own, but your criminals come here to to do their crime because our courts are much more lenient. (I learned that one during my six month term on Grand Jury duty)

[Belair62]

Yeah but you get us back. Ever travel the Interstate behind a Minnesota license plate ? Jeez...drive much ?
I hope someone wakes up and realizes we need to look at the infrastructure in this country and actually do something about it.

[Chateau Slate 66]