The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently received an additional $16.5 million from Congress as part of an approved work plan.
The work plan was developed when Congress provided additional funding to the 2017 Energy & Water Development Appropriations Act as contained in the 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
“These Work Plan funds will help address the most critical needs in six of our harbors around the Great Lakes,” Lt. Col. Dennis Sugrue, district engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Detroit District, said. “We construct, maintain and operate key infrastructure projects that are crucial to the nation’s economy, environment, safety and quality of life, now and in the future.”
Projects include dredging as well as repairs and construction. The district covers Michigan and parts of Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
In May, President Donald Trump’s proposed federal budget eliminated the $300 million-a-year Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, while setting an $77.6 million annual budget for projects handled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Detroit District. This is a $10.6 million increase from the current budget.
The funds would be spent on navigation, hydropower and recreation projects, and additional dredging projects.
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative detected and prevented toxic algae blooms, controlled the spread of invasive species, and cleaned up toxic waste.