State Rep. Parker Fairbairn on Monday released the following statement after the President announced his support for a $1.15 billion project at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois. The project would lead to several new barriers, blocking Asian carp from continuing their spread into the Great Lakes Region. With federal support secured, the next step is for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to agree to the plan and accept the assistance:

“Congress told President Trump that the ongoing threat brought on by Asian carp was a crisis that couldn’t be ignored, so he reached out to Gov. Whitmer and Gov. Pritzker to offer federal assistance in addressing this looming ecological and economic disaster.

“The Great Lakes contain the largest amount of fresh water in the world. They have an intricate ecosystem made up of all sorts of fish, greenery, and other wildlife. The spread of Asian carp threatens the entire system, not to mention Michigan’s $7 billion fishing industry. If left unattended, the Asian carp will smother and decimate the Great Lakes as we know them. It’s not something we can afford to let happen.”

“I hope the state of Illinois will take quick and decisive action to partner with Michigan and the federal government. Together, we can finally implement this project and safeguard our Great Lakes from the poison that is Asian carp.”

The Michigan House recently approved a resolution urging the Illinois government to move forward with the Brandon Road project.

Asian carp have been documented as little as 47 miles away from Lake Michigan. They reproduce quickly, eat vast amounts of organisms at the base of the food chain, and quickly outcompete native fish populations. If they reach the Great Lakes, Michigan’s $7 billion fishing and tourism industry would be at risk of collapse.

Fairbairn represents the only state House district that includes portions of both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The district also includes the Mackinac Bridge and several islands in Lake Michigan, the Straight of Mackinac and the St. Mary’s River.

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