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St. Croix County Prepares For Anticipated Growth Following Opening Of Major Bridge

$600 Million St. Croix Crossing Will Open In 2016

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The beginning phases of the bridge construction in October 2013. Photo: Public Domain.

Local governments in western St. Croix County are studying how best to manage growth after a $600 million bridge project opens in 2016.

In just over two years, the St. Croix River crossing will link the town of St. Joseph, population 3,800, to Oak Park Heights, Minn. It’s expected to turn into a vital artery from the Twin Cities to rural western Wisconsin. Now, local governments in western St. Croix County are planning for what could be heavy growth.

Agnes Ring, a St. Croix County Board Supervisor who represents St. Joseph, says the town surveyed residents about their thoughts on an additional 20,000 commuters passing through.

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“One of the things that people said is, they like the rural character,” said Ring. “There’s a little concern about the loss of that rural character.”

St. Joseph and neighboring cities and towns in the path of the bridge are working to protect farmland by revamping zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans. New Richmond officials are hoping for big growth, with the city administrator, Mike Darrow, saying they’re likely to soon scrap their zoning ordinances and start from scratch. Also, he says, they’re studying the capabilities of the city’s infrastructure.

“What I can say is that we’re going to be prepared,” said Darrow. “Whether it’s 10 people or 10,000 people, we’re going to be prepared for growth.”

With growth can come pollution. To plan for that, St. Croix County is doing a high-tech aerial laser survey to map topography and find high-risk areas for stormwater runoff before any development begins.