Section Aids Bridge Collapse Victims

T he MSBA Construction Law Section in January donated $3,000 to the “Minnesota Helps—Bridge Disaster Fund.”

To date more than 1,500 individuals, families, businesses, congregations, community groups, and individuals have contributed to the fund, which was initiated with seed money from local foundation immediately after the I-35 bridge collapsed.

Funds are being distributed to nonprofit organizations and agencies providing direct services and support to the survivors of the bridge collapse and their families. Over $1.1 million have been collected.

As of late 2007, $320,000 had been granted from the fund through organizations to help families cope with their immediate and short-term needs ($216,000 to provide group services and $104,000 for individuals). Donations have paid for rent, mortgages, utilities, food, transportation, car seats, and other expenses on behalf of more than 20 survivors.