Senators Stabenow and Peters Secure $450 Million for Soo Locks Project

Soo Locks in Northern Michigan UPPhoto byThumbwind Publications

Washington, DC - In a significant advancement for Michigan’s infrastructure, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters have successfully secured $450 million in federal funding for the Soo Locks construction project. This funding, included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, is expected to ensure the timely completion of this critical project.

Importance of the Soo Locks

The Soo Locks, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, are essential for the transport of goods through the Great Lakes, particularly for industries reliant on iron ore pellets used in steel production. The existing Poe Lock, the only lock capable of handling the largest vessels, is 55 years old. The construction of a new lock of the same size is vital to prevent any disruptions that could have catastrophic impacts on U.S. jobs, supply chains, and national security.

Senator Stabenow’s Commitment

“In Michigan, we know how vital the Soo Locks are. We are on borrowed time until something happens that shuts them down, which would have devastating consequences for the economy and our national security,” said Senator Stabenow. “That’s why I’ve been fighting in the Senate for over 15 years to ensure the Army Corps has the resources and flexibility they need to build a new lock. This funding is a crucial step in keeping this project on track and finally finishing a second Poe-sized lock.”

Senator Peters’s Perspective

“The Soo Locks are critical not only to Michigan but to our entire country. Even a temporary shutdown of just one lock would have catastrophic impacts on U.S. jobs, supply chains, and national security,” added Senator Peters. “Building this new lock is necessary to protecting this vital gateway for transporting goods throughout the Great Lakes and beyond, and I was proud to secure the funding needed that will finally see this project across the finish line.”

Funding Breakdown

The $450 million secured includes more than $264 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ budget and an additional $186 million in congressionally directed spending. This substantial funding will allow the Army Corps to award all remaining construction contracts, ensuring the project’s progress and timely completion.

Historical Efforts and Future Impact

Senator Stabenow has long been an advocate for the Soo Locks project. In 2007, she authored language in the Water Resources Development Act to make the construction of the new lock fully federally funded. In 2015, her request for a study led the Army Corps to prioritize the project. She continued to lead bipartisan efforts, including the Soo Locks Modernization Act in 2018 and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2022, securing significant investments for the project.

Conclusion

The approval of $450 million in federal funding marks a pivotal moment for the Soo Locks project, underscoring the collaborative efforts of Senators Stabenow and Peters. This funding ensures that the modernization of this crucial infrastructure will continue, safeguarding the economic and national security interests of Michigan and the entire United States.