The $71 Million Question

It could just be one of the biggest cases many Minnesotans have never heard about. On March 1st the Minnesota Supreme Courtwill hear arguments in a lawsuit that could determine the process by which state and local government spend billions of tax dollars on future projects.

The lawsuit brought by two construction executives challenges how the Minnesota Department of Transportation awarded the contract for the 35W bridge in Minneapolis. Transportation officials selected the highest bidder for the bridge replacement job, taking into consideration several other factors under the state's complex design-build/best value procurement law. In mulling the merits of a lower competing bid, a 2008 Star Tribune 2008 editorial called it the $71 million question.

While the outcome will not spur the global media attention of the tragic bridge collapse in 2007, the courts ruling could well have far reaching consequences for Minnesota taxpayers and businesses.

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Education

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• 35w bridge