New Soo Lock Gets Needed Funding

At the end of 2019, the US federal government approved $75.33 million for the new Soo Lock. Additionally, Congress has directed the US Army Corps of Engineers to allocate additional funds needed to efficiently fund the project and keep the construction on schedule and within budget. The action follows the Governors’ call for this funding and the recent trip to Washington, DC, by senior State officials and industry partners.

Altogether, these funds will lay the groundwork for the next major milestone: the construction of the lock chamber. With continued efficient funding, the construction of the new lock could be complete in seven years, saving $30 million from the estimated project cost. This funding is a major success for the region, and a product of the broad regional coalition that the Governors and Premiers have helped to build with their regional maritime strategy.