Discussions have been ongoing with representatives from Int. Falls, Minnesota Dept of Transportation, Ministry of Transportation and Watco (the new owners of the American side of the Bridge) regarding the sale of the bridge. Recently Boisie Cascade sold thier share of the bridge to Watco, a short line railroad company who operates the railroad for the I Falls mill. Watco would prefer to sell off thier intersts in the car/truck bridge and retain only the railroad bridge, keeping the possibility of public ownership and elimination of tolls on the table.

On Fri. Aug. 11 a meeting was held with Congressman Oberstar, to discuss possible options for funding for the American side of the bridge and on Monday Aug. 14th a meeting is scheduled with the Honourable Donna Cansfield, Minister of Transportation for the Province to discuss what the Province can do to insure the bridge goes into Public Ownership.

Following this meeting, the current owners, Fort Frances and Int. Falls reps will meet to prepare a formal position for the public purchase of the Bridge.