President Trump signs bill authorizing $922-million Poe Lock replacement

In a major boost to regional transportation, steelmaking and construction sectors, President Donald Trump today signed into law a bill authorizing construction of a second 1,200-foot lock at the Soo Locks.

The $922-million replacement for the Poe Lock was included in the bipartisan America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.

"I’m proud that through teamwork and persistence, we are finally seeing movement forward on this essential project to improve the locks," Paul Mitchell, Republican congressman representing Michigan's 10th District, said in a statement announcing the White House signing.

"Any failure at the Soo Locks would have a devastating ripple effect on our nation’s economy and national security. I will continue to do everything and anything I can in Congress to get this project built and protect Michigan and our nation from economic risk."

Funding for the massive project in the Michigan Sault will be appropriated at a later date.

The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on Sept. 13 by the U.S. Senate on Oct. 10.

The original Poe Lock was completed in 1896.

It was rebuilt in 1968 to accommodate the 1,000-foot freighters that now carry the lion's share of local marine cargo moving between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.

Of four locks operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Sault Ste. Marie, only the Poe is capable of handling 1,000-footers.

Any disruption affecting the Poe Lock's operation could severely affect the supply chain for regional steel production and other manufacturing.

The bill signed by President Trump today authorizes $6.1 billion in new Corps of Engineers water projects, as well as modifications to three existing initiatives.

"After years of rebuilding other nations, we are finally rebuilding our nation," the president said, expressing hope that the bill will be the beginning of increased cooperation between Republicans and Democrats.