2026 House Resolution 292

Whereas, The Brandon Road Interbasin Project, led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is intended to prevent the spread of invasive carp into the Great Lakes, which support over $20 billion in economic activity and are central to the environmental and economic well-being of the state of Michigan and the broader Midwest; and

Whereas, The Administration of President Donald J. Trump has recently taken action to ensure continued progress on the project, including transferring project management responsibilities from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District in Illinois to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District in Michigan to facilitate timely and coordinated implementation. Preparation of the site is already complete, and construction on the multi-layered barriers and deterrents is ready to begin; and

Whereas, The transfer of project leadership to the Detroit District reflects President Donald J. Trump’s confidence in the state of Michigan’s ability to serve as an effective non-federal partner in advancing the project. The state of Michigan has appropriated millions of dollars for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project over several fiscal years, evidencing a strong commitment to this endeavor, and there has been a strong and productive working relationship between the Trump Administration, the Michigan House of Representatives, and the Governor on this issue. Through this project, the state of Michigan can continue to demonstrate leadership as an effective partner in the protection of the Great Lakes; and

Whereas, President Trump publicly pledged to save Lake Michigan from invasive Asian carp, as he understands the economic and environmental catastrophe that this species would wreak across our Great Lakes without this protective project. His Administration’s recent actions demonstrate his continued support for the project and the goal of preventing the movement of Asian carp into the Great Lakes, a goal shared by the people of the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, Prior delays in project implementation have resulted in lost momentum and could have resulted in increased costs, demonstrating the need for consistent and accountable partnership to ensure timely completion. Any further delay increases the risk of invasive species entering the Great Lakes, threatening Michigan’s natural resources and economy; and

Whereas, State-level coordination, permitting, and infrastructure support are necessary to maintain project timelines and ensure successful completion; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Governor to take all appropriate actions to support and expedite the Brandon Road Interbasin Project in coordination with the Administration of President Donald J. Trump; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge the Governor to direct the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other relevant departments to prioritize timely review, coordination, and action within their respective authorities to facilitate efficient advancement of the project; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge the Governor to identify and recommend any actions necessary by the House of Representatives to support the timely and effective implementation of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, ensuring the project progresses in close coordination between the Administration of President Donald J. Trump and the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.