Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, represents Michigan’s 1st Congressional District, covering the Upper and northern Lower Peninsula. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, represents the 4th District in north and central Michigan. If you have a guest column to share, email Opinion Curator Dan…
Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, represents Michigan’s 1st Congressional District, covering the Upper and northern Lower Peninsula. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, represents the 4th District in north and central Michigan. If you have a guest column to share, email Opinion Curator Dan Hawkins. And be sure to check out our guidelines for submission.
By U. S. Reps. Jack Bergman and John Moolenaar
American iron ore powers our nation’s economy.
The ore starts in mines in the Upper Midwest and travels across Lake Superior on 1,000-foot freighters.
Along the way, the ore travels through the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, where the ships are lowered into Lake Huron.
The ore then heads south, where it is used in industries — including agriculture, appliances, automobiles, construction and infrastructure — that provide millions of good-paying jobs and make products enjoyed by all Americans.
All these uses for iron ore means that the Soo Locks are critical to the economy and national security. Unfortunately, the Locks have been neglected, and only extraordinary maintenance has prevented an operating disruption that would be devastating for the American economy.
