LANSING, MI (MPRN)-- State lawmakers have answered Governor Rick Snyder’s call to fund emergency harbor dredging. The state Senate Thursday sent the governor more than $20 million for the projects.
We have more from Michigan Public Radio’s Jake Neher:
During his budget presentation last month, Governor Snyder said record low water levels in the Great Lakes were an immediate threat to shipping and tourism in the state. He urged lawmakers to act fast.
Senator Geoff Hansen says they took that request seriously.
“People really understand how important this is," he says, and this shows that we can move pretty quickly on things that have to be done.”
Some estimates suggest the state will need closer to $30 million to pay for harbor dredging. Hansen says they’ll look for more money if and when it’s needed.
Lawmakers are still debating how to pay for long-term harbor maintenance and dredging projects.