Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are critical to Michigan’s economy and outdoor heritage. As a unique national treasure and the largest system of fresh surface water in the world, the Great Lakes provide drinking water for nearly 40 million people and are an economic driver that supports jobs, commerce, agriculture, transportation, and tourism.
It is imperative that we protect this vital asset against invasive species. Asian carp have been found less than ten miles from Lake Michigan. If Asian carp establish populations in the Great Lakes, they will devastate the region’s fishing and boating industries. The Army Corps of Engineers must act quickly to take the necessary steps to protect our Great Lakes.
I strongly support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Since the initiative was launched in 2010, GLRI funds have been used to support over 3,000 restoration projects to improve water quality, protect and restore native habitat, clean up environmentally-impaired Areas of Concern, fight invasive species, and prevent beach closings. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure funding for protecting the Great Lakes.
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“With the president coming out showing his support, Homeland Security showing support, and now, the Army Corps of Engineers, I think we’ve had a lot of progress on that front,” he said. “It’s good for Michigan. The taconite, which goes into our iron ore and steel for autos, appliances and other manufacturers comes through there, so it’s vital for the whole industrial, manufacturing supply chain in North America.”
Congressman John Moolenaar visited Cadillac Tuesday and updated us on current legislation directly affecting Michiganders.
The congressman spoke about the house’s Great Lakes Restoration initiative, as well as work on the opioid crisis, veterans issues, and the budget.
"Today's legislation makes it crystal clear: President Trump, Republicans and Democrats support a new lock in the Soo," said U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, who has been pushing for authorization of the project and is likely to be a key member to secure funding as the state's only member of the Appropriations Committee. "After 50 years of harsh winters and extraordinary maintenance, we need to build a second lock to be ready in case the one lock we have fails."