Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are critical to Michigan’s economy and outdoor heritage. As a unique national treasure and the largest system of fresh surface water in the world, the Great Lakes provide drinking water for nearly 40 million people and are an economic driver that supports jobs, commerce, agriculture, transportation, and tourism.
It is imperative that we protect this vital asset against invasive species. Asian carp have been found less than ten miles from Lake Michigan. If Asian carp establish populations in the Great Lakes, they will devastate the region’s fishing and boating industries. The Army Corps of Engineers must act quickly to take the necessary steps to protect our Great Lakes.
I strongly support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Since the initiative was launched in 2010, GLRI funds have been used to support over 3,000 restoration projects to improve water quality, protect and restore native habitat, clean up environmentally-impaired Areas of Concern, fight invasive species, and prevent beach closings. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure funding for protecting the Great Lakes.
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And, we have our former state senator, John Moolenaar (now a U.S. congressman), and current Congressman Jack Bergman — both Republicans –to thank for that. The two accompanied Trump to a political rally at Selfridge Air Force Base in April, where the President, after being lobbied by the two, addressed his support for building a new lock in Sault Ste. Marie.
“I’m very optimistic because the president fully embraced it, the Army Corps of Engineers has demonstrated it for security and economics. Things are aligned in such a way that we will move forward on it. But in Washington you’re never done until you’re done,” Moolenaar, said.
“After more than a decade of inaction in Washington, the Soo Locks are receiving the attention they deserve and progress is being made,” said U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland in a release.
“With the president coming out showing his support, Homeland Security showing support, and now, the Army Corps of Engineers, I think we’ve had a lot of progress on that front,” he said. “It’s good for Michigan. The taconite, which goes into our iron ore and steel for autos, appliances and other manufacturers comes through there, so it’s vital for the whole industrial, manufacturing supply chain in North America.”
Congressman John Moolenaar visited Cadillac Tuesday and updated us on current legislation directly affecting Michiganders.
The congressman spoke about the house’s Great Lakes Restoration initiative, as well as work on the opioid crisis, veterans issues, and the budget.