(Source: MIRS.news, Published 07/01/2024) The lock and dam project separating the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River to prevent the spread of the invasive silver carp, known as Asian carp, saw an agreement signed Monday that would fund the construction. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers signed the agreement that the three entities would co-sponsor the construction of the $1.15 billion project. The Biden Administration promised $274 million in federal funding and there is $114 million in state funding that has been set for the first phase of the construction for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. 

“The Great Lakes are the beating heart of Michigan’s economy, and Brandon Road will help us protect local communities and key industries, including fishing and boating, that supports tens of thousands of good-paying jobs,” Whitmer said. 

The project would be near Joliet, Illinois, and Brandon Road Interbasin Project Manager Scott Whitney said a team has been working over the last three years to come up with the solution to protecting the Great Lakes from invasive species. 

Michigan started talks with the other Great Lakes states and the Army Corps of Engineers in 2011, and in 2023 Michigan appropriated $64 million and Illinois appropriated $50 million to meet the 10 percent non-federal cost share that would start the project moving. 

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) said she has led the invasive species protection project for years. 

“This is a big win that will protect our Great Lakes for generations to come,” Stabenow said. 

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Oakland County) said the carp have threatened the Great Lakes for years, and he has been an advocate to secure resources from the federal government. 

“This agreement is a pivotal step forward in preventing the spread of harmful, invasive carp throughout our Great Lakes,” Peters said. 

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Scott Bowen said he wanted to thank everyone involved in getting the funding across the finish line. 

“Today’s announcement represents a major milestone in the protection of Michigan’s natural resources, in this case one of our most prized natural resources, the Great Lakes,” Bowen said.