Carl Levin: Levin, Stabenow Hail Millions for Michigan and Great Lakes in the Energy-Water Funding Bill

July 5, 2007 -- WASHINGTON - Senators Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) hailed inclusion of millions of dollars for Michigan and the Great Lakes in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which the Senate Appropriations Committee approved last week. The bill includes over $53 million for operation and maintenance – including dredging – for navigation projects in Michigan , and authorization to upgrade and construct Asian carp barriers on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, which was requested by the senators. The bill needs to be approved by the full Senate and a House-Senate conference committee before being signed into law by the president.

“Every year, hundreds of millions of tons of goods are transported through the Great Lakes waterways, and communities throughout the Great Lakes are economically tied to waterborne commerce,” said Levin. “This bill contains much-needed funding for the dredging of these important waterways, as well as the fight against invasive species such as the Asian carp. Michigan and our country will also benefit from the funding in this bill for renewable energy projects and advanced vehicle technologies.”

“The economic vitality of our harbor communities depends on both regular dredging and protection from invasive species,” said Stabenow. “I am pleased that this bill will help improve our harbor communities, create jobs, and will provide alternative energy funding to help decrease our dependency on foreign oil.”

The bill contains a provision requested by Levin and Stabenow that would direct the Secretary of the Army to operate and make permanent the Asian carp barrier at the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and to construct a second barrier. At total of $3.75 million in funding would be provided for this work.

Source: Senator Carl Levin

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