Higgins announces release of Great Lakes study

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report to consider options to prevent spread of invasive species, including Asian carp

Congressman Brian Higgins, D-NY-26, announced the release of a long-anticipated study by the Army Corps of Engineers on options for preventing the spread of invasive species, including Asian carp, in the Great Lakes basin.

"This report is critical to addressing the urgent threat of invasive species on the health and economic vitality of the Great Lakes basin," Higgins said. "I am pleased that the study is complete and am committed to fighting for very aggressive methods of protection to be adopted."

In February of 2012, Higgins and his colleagues on the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force pushed for the expedited completion of this report, citing the urgent threat posed by invasive species to the Great Lakes.

According to the Great Lakes Commission, the Great Lakes generate $7 billion in economic activity each year, supporting 1.5 million jobs. Invasive species cost the Great Lakes region hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

Higgins, whose Western New York district borders Lake Erie, is a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force and a vocal advocate on issues associated with the protection of the water and investments on the waterfront.