Sen. Stabenow, Peters announce Senate Passage of Water Resources Development Act

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow, D-MI, and Gary Peters, D-MI announced the Senate Passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act Thursday, according to a press release.

The Water Resources Development Act authorizes projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to modernize Soo Locks, stop invasive carp, prevent coastal erosion and flooding, and improve water quality in Michigan, the senators said.

"These investments will address erosion in our coastal areas, prevent damaging flooding in our communities, improve water quality, and stop the spread of invasive Carp and other species in our Great Lakes," Stabenow said.

“I was proud to include key provisions I fought for that will reduce the risk of rising water levels and floods, address the threat of Asian Carp, safeguard Michigan’s waterways, and upgrade key locks and dams, including the Soo Locks," Peters said.

The Water Resources Development Act is expected to:

• Modernize the Soo Locks
• Increase the federal cost share for Brandon Road Lock and Dam project
• Address destructive coastline erosion and flooding
• Identify and address flood risks in Southeast Michigan and Midland County
• Support sewer overflow, storm water, and drinking water projects
• Expedite the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study
• Enable navigation projects at South Haven Harbor
• Support ecosystem restoration and flood risk management at Grosse Pointe Shores and Grosse Pointe Farms
• Identify the economic impact of recreational boating

The bill is now heading to President Biden's desk.

Read the full press release to find out more about the Water Resources Development Act.