Erik Paulsen: “In offering this amendment, let me just start by letting folks know that I am offering this with my colleague…”

“In offering this amendment, let me just start by letting folks know that I am offering this with my colleague, Representative Ellison, who could not be with us today. Back in 2015 there was a bipartisan coalition of Minnesota lawmakers working with the folks on the committee, acting to protect Minnesota's northern lakes and rivers from the spread of invasive species: specifically, Asian carp. Asian carp have spread up the Mississippi River System compromising water quality and crowding out native fish and sensitive species. So Congress stepped in and decided to instruct the Army Corps of Engineers to close the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock to commercial navigation to help mitigate the threat of the northern migration of this invasive species. With the upper lock closed, the Corps of Engineers undertook a disposition study of the lock and dam facility, and a vision for a visitor and interpretive center at that site became a consensus goal of the committee. The city of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board passed resolutions supporting repurposing the lock. My amendment would expedite this study and expand upon this work by authorizing a study looking into modifications to the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam to preserve and enhance recreation opportunities for the space, as well as preserve the health of the ecosystem and maintain portions of the lock and dam necessary to help maintain flood control.…”