MBIA applauds Governor Whitmer for signing SB 745 into law yesterday, restoring $8 million in funding to help keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes through a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan to rebuild the Brandon Road Lock and Dam. This project will rebuild the lock and dam near Joliet, Ill. to include an engineered channel fitted with multiple Asian carp deterrents including an electric barrier, water bubble fence, acoustic deterrents, and a flushing lock.
“Protecting the Great Lakes from the invasion of Asian carp is crucial to protecting Michigan’s recreational boating industry, the third largest marine market in the country with a $7.8 billion economic impact annually,” said MBIA’s Executive Director Nicki Polan. “We applaud the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer for providing the funding to help save our Great Lakes and ultimately the boating, fishing and other industries that depend on them.”
The following statement below was issued in support of the restored funding: “We thank Gov Whitmer for restoring this critical funding to help advance the Brandon Road project to stop Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes. Michigan’s outdoor recreation economy, its fisheries, and our way of life is dependent on keeping invasive Asian carp out of the Great Lakes and their connected rivers and inland lakes. This funding upholds Michigan’s commitment to the project and now it is time for Illinois to sign the preconstruction engineering and design agreement to start the project without any further delay.”
MBIA is a non-profit trade association representing more than 350 marine businesses and serves as the voice for Michigan’s $7.8 billion marine industry. MBIA is dedicated to the advancement, promotion, and protections of recreational boating in Michigan. MBIA produces Michigan’s big three boat shows: the Progressive Detroit Boat Show, Progressive Novi Boat Show and Progressive Metro Boat Show. Proceeds from these events go back to the industry through MBIA programs and services. For more information about MBIA and its boat shows visit www.mbia.org.
