Quigley Statement on New Great Lakes Invasive Species Report

CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement on the long-awaited Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS) released today by the Army Corps of Engineers:

"As Chicagoans know well, Asian carp and other invasive species remain a serious threat to the drinking water, jobs, health and way of life for more than 30 million people who depend on the Great Lakes. The GLMRIS provides a strong foundation of options to protect the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins from the movement of invasive species through the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS). As we review and analyze these recommendations, it is imperative that the Amy Corps continues to work with Congress and regional stakeholders on a comprehensive approach to protecting the environmental and economic health of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin."

Rep. Quigley helped the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fish Asian carp from local waterways during one of his first Undercover Congressman events in 2009.

Rep. Quigley has been a stalwart protector of the Great Lakes and used his position on the House Appropriations Committee to fight for $190 million in funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). The GLRI has helped Illinois implement 75 local and on the ground restoration projects, including efforts to fight invasive species like Asian carp. For every dollar invested in Great Lakes restoration, two dollars will be generated in new jobs, development and increased property values.

High-res photo available upon request.