A resolution recognizing the 10th anniversary and honoring the victims of the collapse of the Interstate 35W Mississippi River bridge.

Whereas, on August 1, 2007, the Interstate 35W Mississippi River bridge (referred to in this preamble as the I–35W bridge) collapsed, killing 13 people and injuring 145 people;

Whereas the I–35W bridge was one of the busiest bridges in the State of Minnesota, carrying more than 140,000 vehicles each day;

Whereas first responders and commuters collectively responded quickly and effectively to provide help and ensure safety;

Whereas, during the first 2 hours after the I–35W bridge collapsed, the Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center received and processed more than 500 calls, 51 of which came directly from the scene of the disaster;

Whereas, after the collapse, there was a bipartisan effort to pass legislation that provided emergency funding to replace the I–35W bridge;

Whereas construction of the Interstate 35W Saint Anthony Falls bridge (referred to in this preamble as the new I–35W bridge) to replace the I–35W bridge began on November 1, 2007;

Whereas the new I–35W bridge opened to traffic on September 18, 2008, which was 3 months ahead of schedule;

Whereas residents, businesses, community members, and local government officials contributed to the design of the new I–35W bridge;

Whereas the new I–35W bridge—

Whereas the new I–35W bridge won the America’s Transportation Awards Grand Prize on October 30, 2009; and

Whereas, on September 11, 2009, the new I–35W bridge was named one of the 10 best transportation projects in the United States: Now, therefore, be it