Winona Mayor Jerry Miller is calling a plan by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to construct a new Highway 43 bridge next to the existing bridge a good one, even though it may impact as many as 30 different homes and businesses.
                
Miller told a Winona Radio audience that most people who attended the open house Thursday realize the new bridge is needed for the vitality and growth of Winona's downtown.  Miller admitted that the Department of Transportation will not be able to please everyone.

While a number of homes and some businesses might have to be taken out or relocated, Miller said businesses like Timbers Restaurant, Daniel's Hardware and the Walz building on Huff Street will not be affected under the current plan. Others will have to try to work something out with MnDOT.