The new vessels, which will replace two nearly 50-year old U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) research vessels on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, will be built to current safety and fuel efficiency standards to reduce fuel consumption, ensure a safer working environment offshore and significantly decrease maintenance costs. The new research vessels will also provide state-of-the-art technology, gear and wet labs.

“I am thrilled that this federal economic recovery funding will create construction jobs and put two much-needed vessels on the Great Lakes to continue their important work,” said Levin. “For several years, I have been urging the USGS to replace or modernize these vessels. Michigan and the entire Great Lakes basin rely on the information collected by these research vessels and the critical research programs they support.”

“These new research vessels will help protect and preserve one of our greatest natural resources, our Great Lakes,” said Stabenow. “I am pleased this recovery funding will help promote cutting edge Great Lakes research, preserve our environment, and protect the economic engine that is our Lakes.”

Funding for the vessels is expected to come as part of $30 million in ARRA funding set aside for deferred maintenance of facilities. The precise amount of funding that will be allocated to the Great Lakes vessels is not known at this time because the construction contract must be competitively bid.

Further information on the Department of the Interior announcement can be found at www.interior.gov/recovery.

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