Illinois Governor Delays Carp Barrier Ceremony, Seeks Federal Funding

Illinois Governor Delays Key Invasive Carp Barrier Project Amid Federal Funding Concerns

This week, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker made headlines by canceling a planned groundbreaking event for a crucial carp barrier project near Joliet. The decision came as Pritzker sought confirmation that the federal funds promised for the initiative would indeed be allocated by the current administration.

The ambitious $1.1 billion undertaking aims to construct barriers to prevent four species of invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. Securing land for the project is essential, but the transfer has been delayed due to funding uncertainties.

Governor Pritzker emphasized his duty to protect state resources in a statement: “I have a responsibility to protect Illinois taxpayers.” He further explained, “If the federal government does not live up to its obligations, Illinois could suffer the burden of hundreds of millions of dollars of liability.”

Experts have long warned that these invasive carp could pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes’ $5.1 billion annual fishery if they make their way into the waters.

Illustrations like this one from Minnesota are being distributed by the U.S. Geological Survey as a guide for anglers.

The carp, initially brought from Asia to manage snail populations in catfish ponds, have inadvertently spread through floods, infiltrating the Mississippi River system. This river system connects to the Great Lakes via a man-made canal, prompting efforts to prevent their entry into Lake Michigan.

Joel Brammeier, CEO and President of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, commented, “And so the issue here is that Illinois has postponed that land transfer, citing the need for assurances.” He added, “Loads of federal programs are getting hit with where funding-holds and uncertainty and chaos right now. And so, I understand that the question of will the projects continue to be funded generally is a valid question.”

Governor Pritzker clarified that the halt is a delay, not a cancellation, stating, “We cannot move forward until the Trump Administration provides more certainty and clarity on whether they will follow the law and deliver infrastructure funds we were promised.”

Meanwhile, work on some sections of the project continues, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proceeding with tasks that have secured funding.