Bill with Great Lakes-focused initiatives headed to president’s desk

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill with several provisions aimed at protecting the Great Lakes.

America’s Water Infrastructure Act now heads to the President Donald Trump’s desk for a signature.

The legislation authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a Great Lakes resilience study in consultation with Great Lakes states like Ohio. The purpose of the study is to coordinate a strategy to protect the Great Lake’s 5,200 miles of coastline.

Ohio’s two senators, Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Rob Portman, say the coastline is crucial for the economy of Ohio and the other Great Lakes states. The region has a $17.3 billion maritime economy and a $14 billion recreation and tourism industry.

According to Brown’s office, this is the first study of its kind.

The bill also requires the Army Corps of Engineers to implement a five-year harmful algal bloom technology development demonstration program. Portman’s office said the purpose this program is to help identify technologies that will improve HAB early detection, prevention, and management techniques.

The Army Corps of Engineers is also urged to complete its Chief’s Report on the Brandon Road study by February. The study looks at ways to upgrade the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois to prevent invasive Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes.

In June 2017, an 8-pound Asian carp made its way up the Illinois River, past the Brandon Road Lock and Dam and was found beyond the electric barrier and nine miles from Lake Michigan.

According to AsianCarp. us, there are no North American fish large enough to eat an adult Asian Carp.

Asian Carp are “voracious and often outcompete native fish for food and habitat, which is of great concern to wildlife and resource managers,” according to a Great Lakes Sea Grant Network study. This poses a threat to the Great Lakes’ $7 billion a year fishing industry.

It also authorizes an increase in funding for the modernization of Soo Locks. The Michigan-based Soo Locks serves as a gateway to transport goods and raw materials across the Great Lakes. Approximately 80 million tons of iron ore, coal, stone, grain, and other commercial commodities pass through the locks annually but according to Brown’s Office there haven’t been comprehensive improvements made to the facility in almost 50 years.

“Lake Erie is a source of pride for Ohio — it’s important for local businesses, local jobs, and the local ecosystem,” Brown said in a statement. “These provisions will help us keep Lake Erie clean, keep cargo moving through our ports, and ensure the Lake will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Portman said “we must ensure that America’s water infrastructure keeps up with the needs of local communities and this bipartisan legislation makes important progress on that goal.”