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Gov. Rick Snyder: Upgrading Soo Locks crucial

Michigan has formally pledged its $50 million commitment to upgrading the Soo Locks in a letter sent last Friday to President Trump. Co-authored by Governor Rick Snyder, the letter argues that upgrading the Soo Locks with a sense of urgency is critical, as the regional and national economy would suffer if the Locks were to unexpectedly shut down.

In addition, a halt to the Soo Locks would result in “devastating impacts” to Michigan’s steel and manufacturing industries, putting 11 million jobs at risk.

“Congress approved construction of an additional 1,000-foot lock in 1986 but we have been waiting for funding to make the project a reality ever since,” Snyder said in a statement. “We appreciate President Trump’s commitment to this critical infrastructure project and will continue working with the White House and Congress to move it forward.”

The plan to commit $50 million toward the project was first announced during the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island last month. 

President Trump announced his commitment to upgrading the Soo Locks during a visit to Michigan in April.

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