(Photo: GRACF)
Joliet, Illinois / Great Lakes Region — May 2025
Efforts to protect the Great Lakes from invasive species took a major step forward in May 2025 as key milestones were reached for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, a multi-million-dollar infrastructure initiative aimed at preventing Asian carp from entering the basin.
The project, located near the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois, is widely regarded as critical for preserving the ecological balance and economic vitality of the region, which supports commercial fisheries, recreation, and shipping industries. (mvr.usace.army.mil)
Federal and State Actions
On May 9, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a presidential memorandum directing the federal government to prioritize actions preventing invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. The memorandum specifically cited support for the Brandon Road Project, signaling renewed federal commitment to the multi-layered barrier system. (whitehouse.gov)
Two weeks later, on May 23, 2025, the state of Illinois acquired a 50-acre parcel of land critical for construction, clearing a major hurdle for project implementation. (nwf.org)
Project Details
The Brandon Road Interbasin Project is designed as a multi-layered barrier system combining:
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Electric dispersal barriers
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Underwater acoustic and bubble deterrents
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Structural modifications to locks and waterways
These measures aim to block invasive species such as bighead and silver carp, which threaten the region’s fish populations and freshwater ecosystem. (mvr.usace.army.mil)
Pre-construction activities, including riverbed rock removal and site preparation, were underway in early 2025 under a contract awarded in late 2024. This phase ran through January to March 2025, allowing subsequent construction to proceed without delay. (mvr.usace.army.mil)
Regional Importance
The Great Lakes support millions of jobs and billions in economic activity across Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and neighboring states. Protecting the basin from invasive carp is considered critical to safeguarding:
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Commercial and sport fishing industries
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Boating and tourism economies
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Overall ecological balance and water quality
“Our freshwater economy and ecosystem health depend on swift, science-based action to stop these invasive species,” said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials overseeing the project. (mvr.usace.army.mil)
Next Steps
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Construction Phases: Ongoing throughout 2025 and into 2026, with phased installation of deterrent technologies.
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Monitoring and Coordination: Regional stakeholders, including Illinois and Michigan agencies, will oversee environmental and operational compliance.
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Future Milestones: Additional contracts and barrier installations are expected to be announced as the project progresses.
The Brandon Road Project represents a critical infrastructure investment for the Great Lakes, blending engineering, science, and regional cooperation to protect one of North America’s most important freshwater resources.