CHICAGO, Ill.—A diverse group of stakeholders says Illinois must act now to keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes.
“We must stop the spread of destructive invasive carp before it is too late. By signing the project partnership agreement (PPA), Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has the opportunity to secure his legacy as not just a champion of the Great Lakes, but also a critical interstate partner with the state of Michigan,” said Jennifer Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC).
Ms. Walling was among three speakers from the conservation and environmental community, labour and local government to hold a press conference on June 11 to discuss the invasive carp that are located less than 50 miles from Lake Michigan. These ecosystem-destroying fish pose a severe threat to the economic health of the Great Lakes, specifically the (US and Canada) region’s $7 billion commercial and sport fishing industry and its $16 billion recreational boating industry. For that reason, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has identified building additional structural measures at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois as the most feasible way to prevent the upstream migration of invasive carp.
The stakeholders encouraged Illinois Governor Pritzker to cement his legacy as a strong champion of the Great Lakes by signing an agreement with the (US) federal government to advance the Brandon Road project. This step would unlock millions of dollars in federal investments, allowing construction to begin in early 2025, bringing good-paying jobs to Illinois and preventing invasive carp from decimating the Great Lakes ecological vitality and blue economy.
“Governor Pritzker should be commended for his steadfast support of the Brandon Road Project to date, including his work with Governor Elizabeth Whitmer of Michigan to secure a combined $114 in state funding for the project’s construction phase,” said Mayor Billy McKinney of Zion, Illinois and a former chair of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.
“By signing the (PPA) by June 30, Governor Pritzker would be demonstrating both good stewardship of our freshwater resources and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars by avoiding any unnecessary cost increases,” said Mayor McKinney.
The only remaining action required for Brandon Road project construction to begin is for the State of Illinois to sign the PPA with the USACE. The PPA must be agreed to by the end of June so that the project construction can take advantage of a planned lock closure in the river at Lockport Lock near Brandon road and move forward to construction later this year. Any delay will result in increased construction costs.
Mayor McKinney explained that in areas like the Mississippi River, invasive carp are devastating the fisheries and waterfront of communities where they have spread. The spread of invasive carp could magnify threats 100-fold, he said.
“We want to make it clear that the Brandon road project is crucial to protecting Great Lakes ecosystem everywhere,” said Mayor McKinney, noting, “I’m presenting 260 plus mayors in the St. Lawrence Great Lakes barrier of the US and Canada.”
“If the agreement is not signed by June 30 there will be a project cost increase and we will not be able to take advantage of the local closure early in 2025,” said Mayor McKinney.
Kristine Kavanagh, communications director with the International Union of Operation Engineers Local 150, said, “IUOE Local 150 is a strong supporter of this project. We recognize the immense value and importance of the project. It is at a critical junction with the engineer-design done. There is a need for swift execution of the agreement to keep the project on schedule. Local 150 urges the Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Illinois to sign the agreement as soon as possible. We stand ready to support this endeavour, and we are eager to see it progress to construction, bringing with it jobs, environmental protection and a stronger future for our region.”
“Today, I am here representing IEC calling on Governor Pritzker to sign the PPA as soon as possible,” said Ms. Walling. “Invasive carp are located less than 50 miles of Lake Michigan and would have devastating impacts on the $7 billion commercial fishery and $16 million recreational fishery.”
“The spread of invasive carp would have devastating effects other states in the US and Canada,” said Ms. Walling.
