Water Resources Development Act of 2018

Floor Speech

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Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak in support of the amendment of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis). We worked hard on this amendment. It is the result of hard work and agreements between all interested parties, Governors across the Great Lakes, and Members of Congress throughout the Great Lakes basin.

The Brandon Road Lock and Dam is a lock and dam complex on the Des Plaines River in Joliet, Illinois. It is one of the last stops along the waterway before Lake Michigan and the entire Great Lakes system.

Unfortunately, Asian carp exists in that waterway as well. This invasive species getting into the Great Lakes would do unfathomable damage to our economy and ecology not just in my State, but to the entire Great Lakes basin. We must stop the spread of Asian carp, and the Brandon Road Lock and Dam offers the best and last chance to do so.

I appreciate the assistance of my good friend from Illinois and the Governor of Illinois for recognizing the problem. Stakeholders and members on this waterway leading to the Great Lakes use it for commerce. Those on the Great Lakes basin prioritize its use to stop Asian carp. It is vital to understand that, and all sides must know and agree we have to achieve both objectives sooner than later.

This is a complex problem. That is why we have asked the Army Corps of Engineers to release their study as soon as possible. This study will advise Congress and the American people about what options we have, what effects they could have, and how effective preventive measures could be.

Like many things in government, this project has seen delays. The report has seen delays. Time is our enemy here and we cannot have the final report delayed any longer.

My section of the Davis-Mitchell amendment adds the Brandon Road Study to the list of expedited studies. By ensuring timely completion, we can move forward on whatever is recommended in order to achieve two things: effective commerce on the river, while ensuring Asian carp do not invade the Great Lakes.

I support the amendment, I ask my colleagues to do so, and I want to express my appreciation to Mr. Davis for all the hard work he has put into resolving what has been an issue for a long time here in Congress. Together, we have come up with a good amendment.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, again, I thank my good friend, Mr. Mitchell. I would be remiss not to recognize my colleague from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), who was very supportive. His efforts were very meaningful to this agreement.

Mr. Chairman, again, I hope that we can get this amendment accepted, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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