City officials in Winona continue to lobby for a brand new bridge over the Mississippi River.
                  
Winona Mayor Jerry Miller had a chance, along with representatives of Minnesota's political leaders, to meet with Governor Mark Dayton Thursday to discuss the matter.

Miller says he thinks the Governor understands the need for a bridge that will last into the future to meet the city's needs.

Miller says it's vital the bridge stays open regardless of whether the state ends up building a new bridge or rehabilating  the current bridge, and he made that clear to the Governor.

Earlier this month the Mayor, Chamber of Commerce and Visit Winona representatives sent a letter to state and federal leaders saying it’s time to get the Highway 43 bridge replacement project back on track.

The replacement project is currently slated for 2014.