Feds, Illinois come to agreement on PED phase of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project

lschultz • January 7, 2021

An agreement announced today between Illinois and the federal government marks significant progress in Michigan’s effort to keep invasive Asian carp from overtaking our Great Lakes.

The preconstruction engineering and design (PED) phase of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project was agreed upon today by the State of Illinois and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Both parties, in addition to Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Eichinger, held a press conference at 1 p.m. CST.

The Brandon Road Lock and Dam project is slated to install acoustic fish deterrents, an air bubble curtain, an electric fish barrier and other provisions to help stop the spread of invasive carp. Construction will happen in Joliet, IL on the Des Plaines river — the last chokepoint for invasive Asian carp before reaching the Chicago Area Waterway System and Lake Michigan.

Eichinger said this “trailhead” has been years in the making, and the landmark progress would not have been possible without governmental, non-governmental, tribal and private stakeholders working diligently to ensure our Great Lakes are protected.

“Conservation is a team sport,” Eichinger said.

An agreement between Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was reached which would allow Illinois to use up to $8 million dollars appropriated by the Michigan Legislature for the PED phase of the project. The non-federal cost share of the PED will total about $10 million.

Today marks a huge milestone in the progress of preventing invasive Asian carp from reaching our Great Lakes, said MUCC Executive Director Amy Trotter.

“MUCC and conservationists in Michigan have been diligently working on this issue for more than a decade,” Trotter said. “Having the PED agreement signed by Illinois is the first step in actually getting construction started, and it should be celebrated by Michiganders and all citizens of Great Lakes states.” 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is anticipating a three- to four-year timeframe for the completion of the PED phase of the project. A project partnership agreement between the State of Illinois and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will then need to be signed following the PED phase before construction begins. Actual construction is expected to take six to eight years. 

MUCC’s national affiliate, the National Wildlife Federation, has advocated and worked diligently on the invasive carp issue for conservation groups across the nation.

“If Asian carp invade the Great Lakes, they would have a devastating impact on our fisheries, tourism and outdoor recreation economies, and way of life across the region,” said Marc Smith, policy director at the National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Regional Center.  “This agreement shows how the protection of our Great Lakes water, jobs and way of life is a uniting force across state and party boundaries. Asian carp are truly a national problem requiring this national solution.”

Since 1937, MUCC has united citizens to conserve, protect and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage – and we do so from Lansing to Washington D.C. Please join us today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC

Recent Posts

By Tyler Mehigh March 11, 2025
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) proudly honored outstanding individuals and organizations for their dedication to preserving Michigan’s natural resources at the 2025 Conservation Awards Banquet. The annual event recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and service to conservation. Ron Olson – 50 Years of Service to Conservation Award With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Ron Olson has made a lasting impact on Michigan’s parks and outdoor recreation. As Chief of the Parks and Recreation Division for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Olson expanded the state park system, enhanced trail programs, and secured significant funding for infrastructure improvements. His leadership has shaped the future of Michigan’s outdoor spaces for generations to come. Ron Burris – President’s Award A dedicated leader within MUCC, Ron Burris played a pivotal role in restructuring the organization’s governance, ensuring a more effective policy and executive board structure. His efforts in promoting conservation education, community engagement, and safety initiatives—such as increasing AED availability in clubs—have strengthened MUCC’s impact across Michigan. Senator Sam Singh & Representative Graham Filler – Conservation Legislators of the Year Recognized for their bipartisan leadership in securing $1.9 million in funding for the Elsie Dam removal, Senator Singh and Representative Filler have demonstrated a commitment to conservation and ecological restoration. Their advocacy ensures the protection of Michigan’s waterways, fish habitats, and public safety. Grand Valley Cap N Ballers – Affiliate of the Year With a long-standing tradition of promoting historical shooting sports and conservation, Grand Valley Cap N Ballers (GVCNB) has been a key supporter of MUCC’s mission. Hosting major regional events and fundraisers, GVCNB has played a crucial role in supporting MUCC’s conservation efforts while preserving Michigan’s outdoor heritage. Mike Avery – Conservation Communicator of the Year A leading voice in outdoor media, Mike Avery has dedicated his career to educating and inspiring Michigan’s outdoor enthusiasts through his popular radio show and podcast, Mike Avery’s Outdoor Magazine. By spotlighting conservation leaders and critical environmental issues, Avery has significantly contributed to public awareness and advocacy for Michigan’s natural resources. MUCC extends its heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients for their outstanding contributions to conservation. Their dedication ensures that Michigan’s natural heritage remains protected for future generations. For more information on MUCC’s conservation efforts, visit mucc.org .
By Tyler Mehigh March 11, 2025
Michigan United Conservation Clubs Hosts Annual Convention at Treetops Resort  Gaylord, MI – This past weekend, hunters, anglers, and trappers from across Michigan gathered at Treetops Resort in Gaylord for the Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ (MUCC) annual convention. The three-day event, held from Friday to Sunday, brought together affiliate clubs and individual members to discuss policy, celebrate achievements, and hear from key figures in Michigan conservation. A total of 11 resolutions were presented and debated by members, with seven successfully passing. Among the most notable resolutions was an initiative to expand underwater spearfishing opportunities, alongside another resolution supporting the return of antlered opportunity to the Liberty and Independence Hunts for 2025 and beyond. A resolution to ‘Earn A Second Buck’ also was presented but ultimately narrowly failed to achieve the requisite 2/3 vote for adoption. These resolutions will shape MUCC’s advocacy efforts in the coming years. To read all of the resolutions, View Them Here . In addition, five individuals were elected to the Executive Board, and 14 members were elected to the Conservation Policy Board during the convention. You can view the current Executive Board and Policy board HERE . Saturday featured a keynote address from Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Deputy Director Shannon Lott, who provided insight into the agency’s priorities and collaboration with conservationists. Additional DNR representatives included Chief Sara Thompson, Deputy Chief Keith Kintigh from the Wildlife Division, and Chief Jason Haines of the Law Enforcement Division. The convention’s annual awards banquet took place on Saturday evening, where outstanding individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to conservation. Honorees included: Ron Olson: 50 years of service to conservation Ron Burris: President's Award Mike Avery: Conservation Communicator of the Year Award Senator Sam Singh and Representative Graham Filler: Conservation Legislators of the Year Grand Valley Cap N Ballers (GVCNB): Affiliate of the Year On Sunday, attendees were treated to a keynote speech by veteran outdoor journalist and broadcaster Mike Avery, who shared insights on Michigan’s outdoor heritage and the future of conservation communication. Throughout the weekend, MUCC raised over $9,600 in donations through silent auctions, gun raffle, and individual donations. These funds will directly support MUCC’s ongoing conservation efforts, advocacy, and education initiatives across Michigan. The MUCC annual convention continues to serve as a vital platform for Michigan’s conservation community, shaping policies and recognizing those who work tirelessly to protect our state’s natural resources. For more information about MUCC and its initiatives, visit MUCC.org.
By Justin Tomei March 10, 2025
March 2025 NRC Preview
More Posts
Share by: