News from Senator Carl Levin of Michigan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 1999
Contact: Senator Levin's Office
Phone: 202.224.6221

Levin Announces Millions for Michigan in Energy/Water Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON -- Following Senate passage of legislation to fund energy and water programs for the next fiscal year, Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., announced that Michigan will receive millions of dollars for environmental initiatives which are included in the bill. The Senate adopted the bill by a vote of 96 to 3.

"For years, we have struggled to control the damage caused by invasive aquatic species, such as zebra mussels, in the Great Lakes and our waterways," Levin said today. "I am pleased that the Senate has agreed, at my urging, to appropriate a million dollars toward control of these destructive species."

"This bill also provides funding for numerous projects which will help to preserve Michigan's waterways," the Michigan lawmaker continued. "Rivers and waterways across the state from Sault Ste. Marie to the Kalamazoo River to the Clinton River will receive funding for important restoration and construction projects."

Specifically, the Energy/Water Appropriations Conference Report provides funding for the following:

  • $1 million to develop technologies to control zebra mussel and other aquatic alien species in and around public facilities.

  • $1.7 million to repair north and south piers and revetments in the Pentwater harbor.

  • $200,000 for preconstruction, engineering and design of improvements to the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie.

  • $200,000 for construction of sea lamprey barriers at sites throughout the Great Lakes basin.

  • $250,000 to remove silt and guard against future silt buildup at the Clinton River Spillway (where the river merges with Lake St. Clair).

  • $500,000 to assist communities in developing remedial action plans for areas of concern around the Great Lakes.

  • $100,000 to study the potential for habitat restoration, ecosystem enhancement and erosion control along the Kalamazoo River.

  • $300,000 to complete studies on Environmental Dredging authority in Muskegon Lake, the Detroit River and White Lake ($100,000 per study).