The Soo Locks: A Key Part of Great Lakes Infrastructure, Economic Growth
On January 11, 2016, the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus heard from two experts about Great Lakes infrastructure – specifically, the critical importance to the Great Lakes region and the nation of the Soo Locks. Located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, this system of four locks makes it possible for vessels to travel between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes. An estimated 10,000 ships travel through the locks each year, carrying millions of tons of cargo, including nearly 80 percent of domestic iron ore used to manufacture steel. The speakers were James H.I. Weakley, President of Lake Carriers’ Association, and Craig Gordon, National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center (NISAC) Program Manager for Capability Development, Modeling, and Crisis Action within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.