Water Resources Legislation Passed the Senate and will Stop Invasive Carp, Prevent Coastal Erosion and Flooding, and Improve Waterway Navigation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, secured major wins for Michigan in the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act, which passed the Senate last night. This bill will authorize projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop invasive carp, prevent coastal erosion and flooding, and improve navigation in waterways. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“The Water Resources Development Act invests in essential water infrastructure projects and addresses critical problems impacting our Great Lakes and waterways,” said Senator Stabenow. “Getting so many priorities included in this bill is a big win for our state.”

Thanks to Senator Stabenow’s leadership, the Water Resources Development Act includes major wins for Michigan, including:

• Increasing the federal cost share for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project: The federal cost share for operating and maintaining the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project will increase from 80% to 90%. This project is vital to preventing invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. This change further decreases the cost for our state partners.  

• Addressing destructive coastline erosion and flooding: The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with Grand Traverse, Brighton, Marysville, and Ludington to promote shoreline restoration and prevent future erosion and flooding.

• Identifying and addressing flood risks in Southeast Michigan, Northern Michigan, and the Kalamazoo River watershed: The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, the City of Cheboygan, Grand Traverse County, and the Kalamazoo River watershed to identify and address flood risks in their communities impacted by flooding from extreme precipitation.

• Improving waterway navigation: The bill allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study navigation improvements for the St. Marys River and Grand Traverse Bay Harbor so that they are safe, accessible, and continue to play a critical role in our economy and national security.

• Expediting critical projects in Michigan: The bill allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the Menominee River Navigation project to help ensure that materials can continue to be shipped through this harbor. It also allows the Corps to expedite projects to improve navigation at the Big Bay Harbor of Refuge and repair the George W. Kuhn Headwaters Outfall.

The impact of Senator Stabenow’s efforts to improve the health of our Great Lakes and protect Michigan waters will be felt for generations to come. There has been no greater champion for our Great Lakes, natural resources, or Michigan way of life. 

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