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Michigan governor seeks Illinois' help with Asian carp plan

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is urging his Illinois counterpart to help pay for a project to keep invasive carp from establishing themselves in the Great Lakes.

Governor Rick Snyder says Michigan would provide up to $8 million

The Associated Press ·
Asian carp first started showing up in North America in the 70s, when they were brought in for the aquaculture industry in the U.S. If they find their way into the Great Lakes, they will threaten the 7 billion Great Lakes sportfishery and eco-system. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is urging his Illinois counterpart to help pay for a project to keep invasive carp from establishing themselves in the Great Lakes.

Snyder sent a letter Tuesday to fellow outgoing Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, seeking support in fortifying a waterway. Snyder says Michigan would provide up to $8 million for upgrading the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois.

Experts consider that a good location to block movement of Asian carp that have infested the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. 

Asian carp prefer cool water temperatures like those found near the shores of the Great Lakes. (CBC)

Several states bordering the lakes, including Michigan and Illinois, agreed previously to discuss cost-sharing. But the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently said the project would cost $778 million -- three times more than previously thought.

Rauner spokeswoman Elizabeth Tomev says "Illinois looks forward to a fair share discussion with all the stakeholders" once the project's "true costs" are known.

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