LANSING – The U.S. Senate has passed legislation that provides funding for a new lock at Sault Ste. Marie.

The bill, which had already passed the U.S. House, appropriates $992 million to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct a new lock.

“Today’s vote shows there is strong bipartisan support for the Soo Locks,” U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Midland) said in a statement praising the Senate’s action. “After more than a decade of inaction in Washington, the Soo Locks are receiving the attention they deserve and progress is being made. I will continue to work on this vital priority for Michigan as it takes the next steps.”