WASHINGTON – Earlier this week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its FY21 work plan to reflect the appropriations provided in H.R. 133. The work plan includes an additional $46.543 million for continuing construction of a new lock at the Soo, bringing the total FY21 funding up to $169.763 million. This is in addition to the $63.815 million available for operations and maintenance on the St. Mary’s River – including Soo Lock Asset Renewal.

Rep. Bergman stated, “The FY21 Army Corps work plan is a great next step in our effort to build a new Soo Lock, rebuild critical waterway infrastructure, and protect our Great Lakes from invasive species. Just a few short years ago, many of these projects were considered pipe dreams – but through our collaborative effort, a new Soo Lock is being built, and early stages of the planning for the Brandon Road project are beginning.”

On Jan. 8, Rep. Bergman signed a bipartisan letter urging the Army Corps to prioritize Great Lakes projects.

With the enactment of key authorizations and funding provided by Congress at the end of 2020, the bipartisan group identified continued Soo Locks improvements, Asian Carp prevention, and implementation of both the Great Lakes Resiliency Study and the Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration program as top priorities. Read the full letter here.

You can find the entire FY21 Army Corps Work Plan, which includes many First District priorities here.