Ohio Congressman Dave Joyce announced last week that several projects critical to Northeast Ohio and the Great Lakes have been incorporated in the fiscal year 2021 (FY21) USACE Work Plan for the Army Civil Works program.
The projects include the preconstruction of the Asian carp barrier at Brandon Road Lock and Dam, and dredging works on the Conneaut, Ashtabula, Fairport and Cleveland Harbors.
“As someone who has lived my whole life in Northeast Ohio, I am honored to have the opportunity to fight for the Great Lakes in Congress,” said Joyce .
“Any threat to the Great Lakes is a threat to our regional economy, the jobs of thousands of hardworking Buckeyes, the drinking water supply for millions, and the ecosystem of more than 3,500 plants and animals. That’s why I have tirelessly advocated for projects that not only protect the Great Lakes but also support our harbors and preserve the jobs they provide.
“By providing the funding needed to further the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project and remove dredged material in our harbors, we will help mitigate the threat invasive Asian carp pose to Lake Erie and help ensure our harbors can continue operating at full capacity and making significant contributions to our regional economy.
“I applaud the Army Corps of Engineers for prioritizing these projects in their latest Work Plan and look forward to seeing the benefits they’ll provide to our communities.”
Specifically, the FY21 USACE Work Plan includes $3,800,000 for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project, which is a key choke point intended to block Asian carp’s access to the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Combined with state level funding, the resources provided by the Work Plan will allow for the continuation of preconstruction, engineering and design work.
It also includes funding to support Operations and Maintenance activities such as dredging in Northeast Ohio harbors including:
The Army Civil Works program includes funds for the planning, design, construction, and operation and maintenance of water resources projects, with a focus on commercial navigation, flood and storm damage reduction, and aquatic ecosystem restoration.