During a stop in Hudson, Wis., on Saturday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson dismissed concerns about the environmental impact of a new bridge on the St. Croix River. Johnson said for the sake of commerce a new span is necessary. 

"It's just going to hold back economic activity" if it doesn't go through, the Republican said. 

Johnson said that even decades ago the Stillwater bridge was a problem. 

"Even at the time, I thought, 'This doesn't seem real safe,' and to be honest, it's not a thing of beauty," he said. 

Johnson and Sen. Amy Klobuchar co-authored a bill that would exempt the Stillwater bridge from the restrictions of the U.S. Wild and Scenic River Act. 

That has upset environmentalists, who worry it will harm the St. Croix, which is regularly cited as one of the cleanest and most pristine waterways in the country. 

The St. Croix is the only waterway in Minnesota and one of only two in Wisconsin federally designated as a Wild and Scenic River. 

In response to those concerns, Johnson said he is an avid outdoorsman who understands the need to protect certain natural areas, but not at the cost of commerce. 

"I would certainly put the Stillwater bridge as a priority," he said. "I love a pristine environment, but you do need bridges. I'm pretty confident we can do this without harming the environment." 

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