Chicago, IL (July 15, 2020) – Efforts to prevent invasive Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes received support from two Congressional committees this week as two bills – Water Resources Development Act of 2020 and FY 2021 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill – were advanced out of committee. They include project authorization and critical funding to stop invasive Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes.
Invasive Asian carp would devastate the Great Lakes ecosystem and the region’s economy if they reach the lakes. Fortifying Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, a critical chokepoint for invasive Asian Carp about 50 miles downstream of Chicago, is the best chance to stop these aggressive fish from creeping closer to the Great Lakes.
Earlier today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020. It includes authorization for construction of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project to stop the movement of invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes. It also adjusts the cost share for construction to 80% federal funding and 20% non-federal funding so that the federal government picks up more of the expense of building this critical project.
On Monday, the House Appropriations Committee passed the fiscal year 2021 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill. The bill includes funding and language urging the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to use the funds for the next phase of work at Brandon Road Lock and Dam—Preconstruction, Engineering and Design. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) is Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies.
Both bills now move to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
Alliance for the Great Lakes Vice President for Policy Molly Flanagan released this statement in response:
“Actions this week by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee show that Congress is serious about preventing invasive Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes. We applaud Great Lakes Members of Congress on both committees for their commitment to protecting the Great Lakes. We look forward to quick action by the full House of Representatives on both bills.”
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For more media inquiries, contact Jennifer Caddick, jcaddick@greatlakes.org.