Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) toured the Brandon Road Lock and Dam System in Illinois where they received an update on the facility and the status of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers efforts to protect the Great Lakes from invasive species such as Asian Carp.
"The Brandon Road Lock and Dam has been identified as the most critical chokepoint to prevent Asian Carp and other aquatic invasive species from entering the Great Lakes," said Congressman Huizenga. "Congressman Bergman and I agreed that visiting Brandon Road and speaking directly with the engineers developing these defenses was not only timely, but vital to gaining the most accurate information and understanding on how to effectively protect the Great Lakes."
"While meeting with the Army Corp of Engineers I stressed that if Asian carp are able to enter the Great Lakes it will be nearly impossible to repair the damage done to the ecosystem, Michigan's economy, and our way of life in West Michigan," continued Huizenga. "As Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force I believe it is imperative that Republicans and Democrats continue to work in a bipartisan manner to protect the Great Lakes and support effective programs, such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), that improve the health of the ecosystem while also strengthening the economy."
“The Great Lakes are Michigan's most valuable natural resources. The Brandon Road Lock is not only a vital piece of our nation's infrastructure, but it's an extremely important road block to keep our waters free from non-native species of fish,” said Congressman Bergman.
Bergman continued, "Keeping invasive species out of the Lakes is a battle we can't afford to lose. Together we've worked to keep full GLRI funding and push for the completion and release of the Brandon Road Study, so we can identify the best way to stop species like Asian Carp from entering our Great Lakes."
While touring Brandon Road, Congressmen Huizenga and Bergman gave a Facebook Live update which is available to watch below.
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