Minn. gov signs bill to pay bridge collapse victims
by BRIAN BAKST, Associated Press Writer
 
ST. PAUL -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has put his stamp of approval on a $38 million package to compensate victims of the Minneapolis bridge collapse.

Pawlenty signed the bill in his office with dozens of victims on hand, some of them with tears in their eyes. He says the financial aid shows Minnesota is ``trying to do the right thing'' for victims.

State law would have set Minnesota's liability at only $1 million total. But sentiment was strong soon after the collapse to go beyond that, and lawmakers spent several months working out details.

Everyone who was on the bridge when it fell would qualify for up to $400,000. People whose injuries and losses were more severe could get additional money from a pool of $12.6 million.

A panel of lawyers will determine the exact amount for each victim.