Photo: Junfu Han ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
DETROIT, May 8, 2025 ~ Michigan Legislators are aiming to protect the Great Lakes from invasive Asian carp. The House passed a resolution on Wednesday, May 7, linked to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, urging the state to resume construction on a barrier project that was halted in Feb.
The carp begin their journey in the Mississippi River and head through the Joliet Dam into Lake Michigan. The barrier plan has been backed by scientists, engineers, and federal agencies.
Clinton Township Rep. Joe Aragon noted on “‘JR Morning” that the fish pose a significant threat to the area’s $7 billion fishing and tourism industry. The species consumes up to 40% of its body weight daily.
“We’ve already contributed around $73 million to this project, and it’s crucial that Illinois continues the work to safeguard our waterways,” Aragon said. “If these carp make it into Lake Michigan, the game’s pretty much over.”
May 8, 2025 ~ Michigan is urging Illinois to resume the Brandon Road project to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. “‘JR Morning” talks with Rep. Joe Aragona (R-Clinton Township) to discuss the economic risks to Michigan’s fishing and tourism industry is Asian carp invade.
(CONTINUED) According to Aragon, the necessary funds for the project are available and that the stoppage was politically motivated. Pritzker cited that the delay was due to concerns over federal funding.
Bubble curtains and electric protectors have been used on the Brandon Road project to fend off the carp from swimming upstream through the Illinois Waterway. Past Brandon Road, there is nothing stopping the carp from devastating Lake Michigan.
Further delays impose even greater risk to both the economy and the Great Lakes.
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