Michigan House Bill HR0077

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/30/25
• Refer: 4/30/25
• Report Pass: 5/7/25
• Passed: 5/7/25

Caption

A resolution urging Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to resume construction of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project to prevent the spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes.

Summary

House Resolution 77 is a nonbinding resolution urging Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to resume construction of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP), a joint effort involving Illinois, Michigan, the federal government, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The resolution is aimed at preventing invasive Asian carp from moving farther into the Great Lakes, especially Lake Michigan, where the species is portrayed as a serious threat to native fish populations, aquatic ecosystems, and the region’s commercial and recreational fishing economy. The resolution recounts the history of Asian carp introduction and spread, describes the carp as highly invasive and destructive, and emphasizes that bighead and silver carp have been found within 47 miles of Lake Michigan. It also notes that Michigan has already contributed substantial funding to the project and that Illinois postponed the first phase in February 2025 because of concerns about federal funding. The resolution expresses support for continuing the project and references President Trump’s public support for protecting Lake Michigan from invasive carp.

Impact

Because this is a House resolution rather than a statute, it does not change Illinois or Michigan law, create new regulatory authority, or appropriate funds. Its practical effect is political and advisory: it formally urges the Illinois governor to restart BRIP construction and sends that message to the President and the governors of Michigan and Illinois. The resolution is intended to influence intergovernmental decision-making around invasive species control, Great Lakes protection, and the continuation of a federally and state-funded infrastructure project.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment in the bill text is strongly supportive of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project and strongly opposed to delaying it. The vote history also suggests the measure had enough support to be reported out of committee with a recommendation and without amendment, indicating generally favorable treatment. The resolution frames the project as urgent for environmental protection and economic preservation, and it aligns itself with public support from President Trump for stopping Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan.

Contention

The main point of contention is whether Illinois should resume construction despite uncertainty about federal funding. The resolution specifically points to Governor Pritzker’s February 2025 postponement of the first phase as the issue it seeks to reverse, implying disagreement over timing, financing, and responsibility for moving the project forward. Supporters emphasize the ecological and economic risks of invasive carp and the investments already made by Michigan and other partners, while the opposing concern appears to be the availability of federal dollars and whether the project can proceed responsibly without them.