Chicago Construction News staff writer
JB Pritzker is urging the administration of Donald Trump to release federal funding for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, saying delays are jeopardizing efforts to prevent invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes.
The Trump administration placed the project under administrative review in December 2025, pausing the flow of federal funds. Illinois officials say no timeline has been provided for when funding may resume.
The project is designed to stop invasive carp from reaching the Great Lakes, a drinking water source for more than 40 million people and a major economic driver for the region.
Gretchen Whitmer has also called on the federal government to release the funds, highlighting concerns shared by multiple Great Lakes states.
In a March 10 post on Truth Social, Trump said he is working with Whitmer on the issue, writing: “I’m working with Governor Gretchen Whitmer on trying to save The Great Lakes from the rather violent and destructive Asian Carp, which is rapidly taking over Lake Michigan… I’ll be asking other Governors to join into this fight,” while also referencing other priorities and adding, “Only ‘TRUMP’ CAN DO IT!”
Despite that statement, Illinois officials say federal funding tied to the project has not been delivered. A previously announced $225 million federal commitment remains stalled.
Separately, three federal grants totalling $13.6 million for invasive carp removal in Illinois are also paused pending review by the U.S. Department of the Interior, slowing ongoing mitigation efforts.
The state says nearly 78 million pounds of invasive carp have been removed from its waterways to date through contracted fishing operations.
Pritzker said the lack of federal funding contradicts earlier commitments and risks delaying a project considered critical to protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Illinois has continued preparatory work, including coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and securing land needed for construction, while awaiting federal support.
The Brandon Road project is widely viewed by regional officials as a key line of defence against invasive species entering the Great Lakes basin.
