Keeping Asian carp out of Great Lakes waterways may prove more expensive than anticipated

Keeping Asian carp out of Great Lakes waterways may prove more expensive than anticipated A study has indicated that keeping Asian carp out of the Great Lakes by closing the locks on Chicago waterways would be more expensive than anticipated.

Crain's Chicago Business reported on Wednesday that a DePaul University study commissioned by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce estimates lock closures to keep out the invasive fish would cost about $4.7 billion in the first
20 years -- $3.3 billion more than first estimated by Michigan and other states.

The study also found that if the locks were closed permanently, barge shipments would be disrupted, along with tour boat operations, recreational boating and the local flood-control system.

As barge traffic shifts to trucks, highway repairs would increase to about $27.5 million a year.

Crain's further said that although none have been caught, there is biological evidence Asian carp have gotten past an electric barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and are on their way to the mouth of Lake Michigan.
(With Inputs from Agencies)