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Bergman applauds America’s Water Infrastructure Act, Republicans plan rally for Friday

(Photo Courtesy/Mike Beiermeister) Congressman Jack Bergman talks about the America's Water Infrastructure Act and it's future impact on Northern Michigan.

Alpena — Congressman Jack Bergman participated in a site visit at Decorative Panels International off the shores of Lake Huron on Wednesday afternoon.

Just yesterday, President Donald Trump signed the America’s Water Infrastructure Act into law, a move that Bergman applauds and has several implications with the 1st Congressional District. The passing of the bill will allow funding for a new Poe-sized lock in Sault Ste. Marie which has been one of the biggest priority for the former Lieutenant General since he came into office.

It also continues to advance a number of moves in dealing with the eradication of invasive species, monitoring contaminates like PFAS, and ending toxic algal blooms.

“President Trump and everybody realizes that this is the right way to go for America, and it’s great for Michigan great for the Great Lakes,” said Bergman.

Funding for the new lock still needs to be appropriated by Congress. The estimated cost sits just under a billion dollars. Bergman noted that this piece of critical infrastructure relies on multiple parties including national security like the Army Corp of Engineers to help carry, complete, and operate a structure like a new lock. While a new lock looks to encourage more industry and commerce in the Great Lakes region, Northeastern Michiganders have taken note on the spread of PFAS and invasive species facing the waters on the sunrise side.

“The quality of the water that we drink, that we utilize has got to be number one,” said Bergman. “There is money in the water infrastructure bill to make sure it’s monitored and kept safe. Number two, invasive species… if we don’t control whether it’s cormorants or zebra mussels, [and] all of those things the health of our waters will cut into our economy.”

With election season in full swing, Bergman will be traveling throughout the 1st district up until election day. Meanwhile other Republican candidates will rally in Alpena on Friday at the new Alpena County GOP headquarters on Chisholm Street. Senate Candidate John James who is up against current Senator Debbie Stabenow will be in attendance. Current State Representative Sue Allor and current State Senator Jim Stamas will also attend. The event takes place from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. at 1201 W. Chisholm St.