North Michigan News

Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) have written an op-ed highlighting the urgent need for investment in and modernization of the Soo Locks. These locks, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, have been recognized as vital to the national and economic security of the United States since World War II.

Currently, only two out of the four locks at the Soo are operational, severely limiting the commercial traffic flow. As a result, 88% of commercial traffic is restricted to a single lock, creating significant bottlenecks in the transportation of goods. Bergman and Newhouse emphasize that the Soo Locks are in dire need of revitalization and expansion, a responsibility that falls on Congress to address.

The Soo Locks serve as a crucial link between Lake Superior and the other four Great Lakes, allowing commercial, recreational, and military vessels to navigate the 21-foot drop. They are an essential node in the Great Lakes Navigation System, facilitating the transportation of goods for various industries such as appliances, automobiles, construction, and mining equipment. In fact, nearly 95% of the country's iron ore pellets, which are vital for the steel industry, pass through the Soo Locks.

Failure to invest in the modernization and expansion of the Soo Locks would have severe consequences for the American steel production and manufacturing sectors. The supply chain for these industries heavily relies on the efficient transportation facilitated by the locks. The economic impact of preserving the locks cannot be understated, as they contribute more than $1 trillion to America's economy and support 123,000 jobs, with $22.6 billion in economic activity generated.

Recognizing the importance of avoiding disruptions in shipping traffic through the Great Lakes, the construction of a third, larger lock began in 2020 and is set to be completed by 2030. However, the project has faced numerous challenges, including inflation, a nationwide labor shortage, and inaccurate early cost estimates. As a result, the cost of the project has tripled since construction began.

Compounding the challenges, the Biden administration's fiscal 2024 budget request to Congress did not allocate sufficient funding for the completion of the new lock. This shortfall in funding could lead to further cost increases and delay the timeline for completion by a year or more. Bergman and Newhouse stress the need for the administration to recognize the strategic importance of the Soo Locks and support congressional efforts to ensure timely and efficient completion of the project.

As members of the Congressional Western Caucus, Bergman and Newhouse are committed to supporting water infrastructure and America's rural communities. They pledge to continue advocating for the modernization and expansion of the Soo Locks system. Failure to complete the expansion in a timely manner would have long-lasting consequences for the economy, jeopardizing the nation's security and global competitiveness.

In conclusion, the investment in and modernization of the Soo Locks is of utmost importance for the national and economic security of the United States. Congress must prioritize the completion of the new lock and ensure sufficient funding is allocated. Failure to do so would have severe repercussions for the American economy and its ability to compete on a global scale. The Soo Locks are a critical piece of infrastructure that must be preserved and expanded for the benefit of the nation.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1150