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(AP) - Gov. Tim Pawlenty is contemplating extra aid for the worst-hurt bridge collapse victims.

      Pawlenty told The Associated Press on Monday that he still
supports a $400,000 limit on compensation for individual victims of
the Interstate 35W bridge disaster. That's the approach endorsed by
the Minnesota Senate last week.

      But the governor said some extra money could be set aside for a
small number of "extraordinary cases" whose needs wouldn't be met
under the $400,000 cap. A neutral administrator could distribute
that aid.

      Both houses of the Legislature have approved bridge victim
compensation bills, but they differ on the details. The $40 million
House plan would allow an administrator to parcel out the money
among victims with no limit for individuals. The $25 million Senate
bill caps individual awards.

      Conference committee negotiators are expected to start work on a
compromise bill in the coming days.

      Victims of the Aug. 1 disaster have been pushing for no
individual limits on awards, saying a cap would hurt those with the
severest injuries and those who lost parents and spouses.

      Pawlenty says his idea is "just a concept" and details remain
to be worked out with lawmakers.

      "The idea would be to reserve some amount for these small
number of truly extraordinary cases that wouldn't fit under the
cap," the Republican governor said.

      Pawlenty's budget earmarked $40 million for the bridge
compensation fund, the same amount as the House bill.

Gallery

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Governor and legislators announce I-35W victims relief fund

Politics and Government News

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is contemplating extra aid for the worst-hurt bridge collapse victims. The governor said some extra money could be set aside for a small number of "extraordinary cases" whose needs wouldn't be met under the $400,000 cap.

Pawlenty: 'Extraordinary cases' among 35W victims could get extra

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