JOLIET, Ill. – The State of Illinois has secured a crucial 50-acre parcel of land in southwest suburban Will County,marking a meaningful step forward in the enterprising Brandon Road Interbasin Project.This infrastructure initiative aims to prevent invasive Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan,safeguarding the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The land, donated by Midwest Generation, will be used to construct deterrents near Joliet, designed to keep the carp away from the Great Lakes. The project has garnered bipartisan support, including endorsements from Gov. JB Pritzker and former President Donald Trump.

Project Details and Funding

The Brandon Road Interbasin Project is a multi-faceted effort to protect the Great Lakes from the threat of Asian carp. These invasive fish pose a significant risk to the region’s environment and economy.

• key Component: Construction of deterrents near Joliet.
• Land Acquisition: 50 acres donated by Midwest Generation.
• Total Project Cost: Estimated at $1.1 billion.
• Federal commitment: The federal government is expected to cover 90% of operational and maintenance costs after construction.

Political Backing and Recent Developments

The project faced a temporary setback earlier this year when Gov. Pritzker paused it, citing concerns over potential federal spending cuts under the Trump administration. Pritzker sought assurances that the federal government would fulfill its commitment of over $225 million allocated for the project during the Biden administration.

However, earlier this month, former President Trump voiced his support for the project and criticized Pritzker for the delay.

Official Statements

Gov. Pritzker emphasized the importance of protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem,stating that he acted quickly to close on the property after receiving assurances from the federal government.

millions of people in the Great Lakes region rely on its ecosystem for their livelihoods and protecting it has been a top priority since I took office. After receiving the necessary assurances from the federal government, my administration acted quickly and formally acquired the land needed for construction. I thank midwest Generation for their partnership in this project – their generous donation will benefit the Great lakes region and nation for generations to come.

Gov. JB Pritzker

U.S. Sen.Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) also lauded the project’s progress, highlighting its critical role in safeguarding the Great Lakes.

The Brandon Road Project is critical in protecting the Great Lakes’ exposure to invasive carp, a growing threat to our entire inland waterways system, our nation’s economy and to the countless Illinois communities and businesses that rely on strong and vibrant aquatic ecosystems. We have been working for years to advance this project and I’m glad to see Governor Pritzker taking necessary action to move construction forward.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth

The Threat of Asian Carp

Asian carp pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes due to their rapid reproduction and ability to outcompete native fish for resources. These fish can grow to exceed 100 pounds, disrupting the ecological balance.

Efforts to control the carp population have included the construction of electric barriers along the Des Plaines River near Romeoville and the use of commercial fishermen to catch the carp.