WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that includes $75.3 million in funding for the Soo Locks.
The money is included in a year-end government appropriations bill. It would be used to begin the design and construction of a new, Poe-sized lock. Currently the Poe is the only lock large enough to accommodate larger vessels on the Great Lakes.
Additional funding will need to be appropriated annually. Officials say the entire project could cost close to a billion dollars.
Economic development group InvestUP estimates construction of the new lock will create 1,100 jobs. The Army Corps of Engineers has already listed available positions on a website set up by MichiganWorks!
The legislation is expected to pass the Senate later this week, then go to the president.
To go to the Soo Locks Virtual Job Fair, click here.
