Great Lakes Wire

LANSING – The States of Michigan and Illinois have signed a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to implement an invasive carp barrier at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois. This announcement was made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, whose team provided legal advice and assistance with negotiating the agreement. The project aims to prevent invasive bighead, silver, and black carp, as well as other aquatic invasive species, from entering the Great Lakes by blocking their passage through the Des Plaines River into the Chicago Area Waterway System while still enabling commercial shipping.

Invasive carp, particularly bighead and silver carp, pose a significant threat to the region. They consume large amounts of phytoplankton, which forms the foundation of the lakes’ ecosystem, and reproduce rapidly, outcompeting native fish species. These carp also lack natural predators in the Great Lakes. Silver carp are known to leap out of water up to 10 feet high, potentially endangering recreational users. The harm from an established invasive carp breeding population in the Great Lakes is estimated to exceed $1 billion, affecting ecosystems, tourism, and fisheries.

“The Great Lakes hold countless memories for many of us,” Nessel said. “They are central to our Pure Michigan identity. This landmark agreement marks a significant victory in protecting these lakes from invasive, dangerous carp.”

“Today’s agreement will help us get shovels in the ground as soon as possible on the critical Brandon Road project,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The Great Lakes are the beating heart of Michigan’s economy... I am grateful to Governor Pritzker in Illinois... Together we will get the job done so we can protect our lakes.”

The PPA marks a historic first-ever agreement involving two non-federal sponsors. The total estimated cost of the project is approximately $1.14 billion. The federal government will cover 90% of this cost with much funding provided by President Biden's bipartisan infrastructure bill. The remaining 10 percent will be split between Michigan and Illinois; Michigan will provide $64 million and Illinois $50 million. Both state legislatures have already approved these funds.

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