The US House of Representatives approved water resources infrastructure legislation that aims to improve America’s harbours, ports, waterways, flood protection and other water infrastructure.
"This important action will improve ports, dams, and waterways to facilitate commerce within our borders and connect US producers and consumers with the international marketplace," House Speaker Paul Ryan said.
The passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018 authorises critical infrastructure projects, including the construction of a second 1,200-foot lock at the Soo Locks complex at Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.
The ageing locks of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway have long been a concern for the local industry.
"Any failure at the Soo Locks would have a devastating ripple effect on our nation’s economy and national security," Congressman Paul Mitchell said in a statement.
"I’m proud that through teamwork and persistence, we are finally seeing movement forward on this essential project to upgrade the locks."
The legislation invests in ports, locks and dams, inland waterways, flood protection, and other infrastructure, while building upon reforms to the Army Corps of Engineers to continue improving project delivery, said transportation and infrastructure committee chairman Bill Shuster.
The bill must now pass the Senate and then be signed into law by President Trump.
