Article: State's tab for steps at 35W bridge site: $1,311 per tread; The steps were built in three days after the collapse; the contractor charged for basic builder's tools and $7 for paper cups.(NEWS)

Byline: Tony Kennedy; Paul McEnroe; Staff Writers

A wooden staircase built by a Minnesota Department of Transportation contractor after the collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis cost taxpayers more then $157,400, according to agency records.

The staircase - reportedly built to federal safety standards - was needed to provide access for emergency workers as they walked to and from the MnDOT command post located at the top of a steep hill, the agency said.

The staircase was built with 120 steps - a cost of about $1,311 per step. Of the total cost, $149,000 covered carpentry materials and labor expense. Most of the labor charges ...

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