No new lock

From: JohnR
Location: Roseville
email: parrotjohnatyahoodotcom
Remote Name: 68.79.97.1
Date: 02.28.07
Time: 10:25:08 AM

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TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) -- The Bush administration has decided against building a new commercial shipping lock on the river linking Lakes Superior and Huron, U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak said Wednesday. Congress authorized expansion of the Soo Locks in 1986, but the $341 million project has yet to receive funding for construction. Stupak, a Michigan Democrat whose district includes the locks complex at Sault Ste. Marie, said he had been informed the administration would not request funds for the project. "This decision ignores the importance of the Soo Locks to our nation's economy and is negligent in protecting our navigation infrastructure," Stupak said. He said he was seeking an explanation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Advocates say another lock is needed to ensure the movement of iron ore, coal, wheat and other commodities on the Great Lakes. About 70 percent of the raw materials used in steelmaking pass through the locks, located at Sault Ste. Marie on the northern end of the St. Marys River. Although three locks are in service, just one - the Poe - can accommodate the large freighters that account for two-thirds of the Great Lakes fleet's carrying capacity