Bill Text: MI SR0025 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to pass legislation that authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to implement measures at the Brandon Road lock and dam to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 16-2)
Status: (Passed) 2015-04-22 - Adopted [SR0025 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-SR0025-Enrolled.html
SR-25, As Adopted by Senate, April 22, 2015
Senator Casperson offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 25.
A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to pass legislation that authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to implement measures at the Brandon Road lock and dam to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes.
Whereas, Asian carp are an imminent and serious threat to the health and economy of Michigan and the entire Great Lakes region. Only 50 miles downstream from Lake Michigan, this aquatic invasive species' voracious appetite would disrupt food webs, leaving inadequate food for more desirable species within the Great Lakes, and threatening the $7-billion Great Lakes recreational and commercial fishing industry; and
Whereas, Current controls in the Chicago area are inadequate to prevent the movement of Asian carp and potential future aquatic invasive species (AIS) between the Great Lakes system and the Mississippi River system. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineer and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study has demonstrated that the electrical barriers that provide the front line of protection against carp do not prevent the movement of all fish; and
Whereas, Control measures implemented at the Brandon Road lock and dam in Joliet, Illinois, would reduce the risk of an Asian carp invasion while maintaining efficient navigation. Composed of representatives from government, industry, business, anglers, and conservation groups, the Chicago Area Waterway System Advisory Committee has recommended the deployment of innovative technologies and the reconfiguration of the locks in a newly-engineered channel at this key location. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun the scoping process for this project; and
Whereas, Moving forward with design, engineering, and construction of these measures would be a worthwhile short-term and long-term investment in the Great Lakes region. While negotiations continue on a permanent long-term solution, these measures would provide additional protection and be consistent with an eventual long-term solution. In addition, this project would serve as a valuable demonstration for technologies that could be implemented in other areas of the country; and
Whereas, There is a window of opportunity now to protect the Great Lakes, avoid irreparable harm to the system, and prevent decade upon decade of future management costs. Once established, Asian carp would be nearly impossible to eradicate and would join zebra mussels, sea lamprey, and other AIS that Great Lakes governments and businesses spend millions of dollars per year to control. The Brandon Road lock and dam project would be a solid first step in creating greater structural protections for the Great Lakes; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to pass legislation that authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to implement measures at the Brandon Road lock and dam to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
