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Dr. Benishek: Soo Locks Must be a Priority Local Congressman Leads Effort to Highlight Need for Replacement Lock |
| Washington, D.C.- Dr. Dan Benishek led a bipartisan, bicameral effort to encourage officials at the United States Army Corps of Engineers to publically release new information related to the Soo Locks today.The Army Corps recently completed a sensitivity analysis which would help determine the need for an eventual replacement lock at Sault Ste. Marie. The findings of the study, however, have not been publicly released. The letter, signed by the majority of the Michigan Congressional delegation, including both U.S. Senators, urges the Army Corps to prioritize replacing the Locks before maintenance issues interrupt commerce. The letter also urges the Army Corps to make the results of the sensitivity analysis publicly available. The requested study’s findings should assist in moving the Army Corps towards completing a new Benefits Cost Ratio, which would eventually move the Soo Locks up on the priority funding list at the Army Corps. All Army Corps projects are ranked based on critical need. “The Locks are absolutely critical to jobs and industry not only in Northern Michigan, but around the entire country. If the Locks were out of commission for even a day, the economic impact would be severe,” said Congressman Benishek. “If you’ve ever seen a laker move through the Locks, you know how narrow that passageway is, and that there is no room for error. So many industries, like steel and auto, depend on the Soo Locks, making them a priority for our national security and our economy.” While there are four locks at the Soo Locks, only two are currently open and available for use. Lakers (ships generally 1000 feet in length) however, can only transit the Poe Lock. If the Poe Lock were to experience an unplanned outage, there is currently no available mechanism to transport U.S. iron ore, which transits the Great Lakes almost exclusively. According to a recent study, and unplanned closure of the Soo Locks would have a severe impact not only on the regional economy, but also the broader national economy, most notably the U.S. Steel and automobile industries. Dr. Benishek is working with his colleagues in Congress to ensure that the Soo Locks remain a priority for the Army Corps of Engineers and that steps can be taken to replace the outdated locks. |
