The House Resolution urges Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to resume construction of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP), which aims to prevent the spread of invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes. Asian carp, introduced in the 1970s, have become a significant threat to local ecosystems and the $7 billion fishing industry in the Great Lakes region due to their rapid growth and voracious appetite. The BRIP, a collaborative effort between Illinois, Michigan, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has already received substantial funding, including $73.5 million from Michigan over the past five years. However, construction was postponed by Governor Pritzker in February 2025 due to concerns about federal funding.
The resolution highlights the urgency of the situation, noting that bighead and silver carp have been detected close to Lake Michigan, which could lead to severe ecological and economic consequences if not addressed. It also references President Trump's commitment to protecting Lake Michigan from invasive species, aligning with the resolution's call for action. The resolution concludes by requesting that copies be sent to relevant officials, including the President of the United States and the governors of Michigan and Illinois, to emphasize the importance of resuming the BRIP construction.