The Trump administration has lifted a stop-work order on a key project designed to prevent invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. The Brandon Road Interbasin Project near Joliet, Illinois, had construction halted in July by the Army Corps of Engineers without a clear explanation.
Hours after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke directly with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, the hold was rescinded. Whitmer, a Democrat, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that invasive carp had recently been detected approximately 80 miles from Lake Michigan, the furthest upstream recorded.
"Governor Whitmer spoke with President Trump today to ask him to direct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lift the stop-work order," stated Bobby Leddy, a spokesperson for Whitmer. "The governor underscored the urgency of the moment, noting that invasive carp were recently found just 80 miles from Lake Michigan — farther up the Illinois River than ever recorded."
Whitmer's office confirmed they were notified on Wednesday that work could resume. The White House referred inquiries to the Army Corps of Engineers.
Project History and Urgency
The Brandon Road Interbasin Project has faced repeated uncertainty under the Trump administration, despite public support from the president and significant federal funding. The project involves constructing a series of technological deterrents in the Des Plaines River to block invasive carp.
In March, Whitmer had also pressed Trump to release federal funding for the project. Following their discussions, Trump announced on social media that he was "working with Governor Gretchen Whitmer" to protect the Great Lakes, and the Army Corps subsequently released funds for the project's next phase in April. However, another stop-work order was issued in July, citing an administrative review.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the July pause, stating, "It’s time for the Trump Administration to uphold the federal government’s obligations, stop playing political games, and move this project forward." Pritzker's office noted that Illinois had not been notified of the decision to lift the stop-work order, questioning the administration's commitment.
The urgency surrounding the project increased in August when the Illinois Department of Natural Resources detected hundreds of juvenile invasive carp about 80 miles from Lake Michigan. This marked the first time carp of that size had been found so far upstream since monitoring began in 2010.
Governor Whitmer, who is term-limited and will leave office in January, has developed a working relationship with Trump, engaging with him on multiple occasions. This cross-party collaboration has drawn some criticism from fellow Democrats.