LANSING – State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) today praised an announcement by U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) that $17 million in federal funds will be used to construct new dams in the Soo Locks. The funding would help the locks better accommodate the large ships that carry millions of tons of cargo every year into Michigan.
"This expansive project will bring many good-paying jobs to our state," McDowell said. "This is the first step in constructing a new lock, and will ensure cargo is able to be moved efficiently into our state. This new lock will provide an improved system to make our state a leader in the 21st century global economy."
Congress authorized the expansion of the Soo Locks in 1986. Since then, $20 million has been appropriated for studies and preparations. Under a mandate secured by Stupak in 2007, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is required to construct the new lock at full federal expense. With the latest $17 million, the Army Corps can begin to build the coffer dams that will prevent water flow into the aging Sabin and Davis locks, and eventually replace them altogether.
"This announcement is great news for all of our state," McDowell said. "The locks are vital to our economy and I praise Congressman Stupak for moving this plan forward. I will continue to work with Congressman Stupak to encourage Corps of Engineers to continue to use the stimulus money to improve the quality of the Soo Locks."