Senator Stabenow Secures Major Water Infrastructure Priorities to Address Serious Risks to Michigan’s Economy, Great Lakes, and Communities
Water Resources Legislation will Support Efforts to Stop Invasive Carp, Prevent Coastal Erosion and Flooding, and Improve Water Systems
Thursday, May 05, 2022WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow secured major water infrastructure priorities for Michigan in the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act. This bill will authorize projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that aim to stop invasive carp, prevent coastal erosion and flooding, and improve water systems in Michigan.
“Michigan knows firsthand the impacts of severe weather from the climate crisis and our aging infrastructure. Securing these urgent priorities will protect our Great Lakes from invasive species, address erosion in our coastal areas, and prevent devastating flooding in our communities,” said Senator Stabenow.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senator Stabenow secured important priorities in the Water Resources Development Act including:
- Increasing the federal cost share for Brandon Road Lock and Dam project: The federal cost share for constructing the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project will increase from 80% to 90% to prevent Asian carp and other invasive species from entering the Great Lakes. This increase will help expedite the completion of this critical project.
- Addressing coastline erosion and flooding: The bill allows the Army Corps of Engineers to provide support to Great Lakes states to take proactive steps to prevent future erosion that will cause flooding in coastal communities
- Helping identify and address flood risks in Southeast Michigan and Midland County: The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with Southeast Michigan and Midland County to identify and address flood risks in their communities impacted by flooding from extreme precipitation.
- Supporting sewer overflow, storm water, and drinking water projects: The bill increases authorization for the Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Program from $35 million to $85 million. This will enable the Army Corps of Engineers to help Michigan’s statewide environmental infrastructure authority support sewer overflow, storm water, and drinking water projects.
- Expediting the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study: The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the completion of the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study to develop a coordinated strategy to manage and protect the Great Lakes. Any future studies identified in the study would be automatically authorized.
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