Funding for Soo Locks expansion getting closer: Stupak
August 25, 08 by TheFleetIf you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
Source: WLUC - TV 6
SAULT STE. MARIE — Funds for a new large lock at Sault Ste. Marie may be on their way, according to 1st District Congressman Bart Stupak.
Stupak tells TV6 that Congress has authorized the design of a second lock that would allow passage of large ships. Currently, large ships can pass through only the Poe lock.
The entire project would cost an estimated $348 million, but Stupak says it would have to start with coffer dams which hold back the water during the construction of the lock. The money for those dams has been secured at the subcommittee level in the U.S. House.
“We got about $17 million for coffer dams and now it’s going to the House floor,” explained Stupak. “That number can move, but the point is, the first money to actually start the construction, if you do the coffer dams; the rest of the money will start flowing.”
The entire lock construction project would take about 10 years to complete.
