Resolution: Great Lakes Navigation System Study
Adopted on May 7, 2002

Whereas, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River are major components of a vast intermodal transportation system linking ports and markets in the heartland of North American and throughout the world; and

Whereas, waterborne commerce on the binational Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system accounts for more than 200 million cargo tons and provides a low cost, efficient, safe and high capacity alternative to dependence on surface transportation; and

Whereas, the St. Lawrence Seaway, opened in 1959, and the navigation facilities at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan include some old and under-sized locks; and

Whereas, vessel size and draft limitations in the connecting channels, the Seaway portion of the system as well as other places have reduced the potential for marine transportation; and

Whereas, the U.S. Congress has authorized (Section 456, Water Resources Development Act of 1999) a study of potential capital improvements to optimize Great Lakes navigation system infrastructure; and

Whereas, this study effort, already underway and coordinated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will take several years and cost around $20 million (U.S.).

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission fully supports the need for the Great Lakes Navigation System Study and commits to the formal review and comment on the draft reconnaissance level report scheduled to be available by May 2002; and

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Commission supports the need to thoroughly involve the governments of Canada, Québec and Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation in the study effort.

Unanimously adopted by the Great Lakes Commission at its Semiannual Meeting, May 7, 2002 in Québec City, Québec.