September 4, 2002

A coalition of fifty-two environmental and conservation groups, headed by the National Wildlife Federation, send an appeal to members of the Appropriations Committee. Committee members are urged not to support the Feasibility Study because:

• Hundreds of millions of cubic yards of contaminated sediments will be dredged during the deepening of shipping channels and harbours ? disposal of hazardous waste on this scale is unprecedented.
  
• Changes to water flow threaten lake levels and habitat
  
• The risk of exotic species introduction increases with the introduction of more foreign vessels
  
• Potential impacts on property owners and resource-dependent communities add to the economic downsides of the project
  
• Previous shipping expansion studies have all concluded that navigation expansion is economically unjustifiable.
  
• Thirteen of the fifteen locks on the St. Lawrence River are in Canada, yet Canada remains uncommitted to the project.

(Read full appeal)

September 5, 2002

The House Appropriations Committee approves a $26-billion Energy and Water Appropriations bill for FY 03. The bill includes $2-million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for year one of the Great Lakes Navigation Feasibility Study.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee approves $750,000 for the Feasibility Study ? less than half the Corps? request.

September 9, 2002

The Canadian government confirms that it has not yet made a decision regarding Canada?s participation in the Feasibility Study.

Upcoming events

Energy and Water Appropriations bill will be brought to the Senate and the House floors for a vote. Once passed, the difference between the Appropriations and Senate Committee figures will be reconciled by a Conference Committee and money will be set aside for the Feasibility Study.

Changes still need to be made to the language of the Water Resources Development Act in order for Canada to qualify as a ?non-federal sponsor.? The Army Corps cannot proceed with the Feasibility Study until this authorization bill has passed and the sponsorship has been secured.