Federal support follows after Democratic lawmakers secured $64 million to stop invasive carp in Michigan’s waters
LANSING, Mich., May 9, 2025 — After much ongoing advocacy and securing $64 million to make the Brandon Road Interbasin Project possible last term, Michigan House Democrats commend Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s and federal actions to move the project forward. After Whitmer advocated in D.C. for federal support last month, an executive order was signed today to provide federal funding, getting the ball rolling on a project 20 years in the making to stop invasive carp from moving into the Great Lakes.
“We are doubling down and dialing in — working hard to fight for YOU. It is what we all must do — unite and fight for the America and Michigan we all love. This is a significant and important milestone in efforts to protect our cherished Great Lakes from the threat of Asian carp,” said state Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon). “Representing the Greater Muskegon area, the lake and water is central to our very identity. It’s imperative we fight to make sure nothing can ever change that. We’ve seen the devastation wrought by invasive lampreys and mussels just to name a few and our community and Michigan as a whole cannot afford to have Asian carp added to that list. I commend Gov. Whitmer for her determination and tenacity working with the federal government to get this done. Let’s be clear — the portion of the funding that made this possible is from this current fiscal year’s budget passed under democratic control. No matter what anyone may try to say, it’s Democrats who delivered once again.”
The Brandon Road Interbasin Project will implement deterrents to invasive carp species in the Great Lakes, including the silver carp population that would devastate sport and commercial fishing, threatening the $7 billion fishing industry in the Great Lakes, as well as the tourism industry. House Dems prioritized securing Michigan’s share of funding last term to meet the nonfederal requirement to begin the project’s construction.
“Protecting and uplifting Michigan’s unique industries and economy is one of Michigan Dems’ top priorities. We fought hard last term to meet the state funding requirement to ensure our Great Lakes economy can thrive for generations to come,” said state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph). “I am grateful for our partnership with lawmakers in Illinois and Gov. Whitmer’s concrete advocacy to make Michigan and our precious natural resources a priority in D.C.”
Michigan joins the State of Illinois in funding the 10% non-federal cost share of the project, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers working as the main federal partner.
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