Congress gives Corps of Engineers deadline to find Asian Carp solution

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Congress has approved a measure requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to quicken development of a strategy for keeping the Great Lakes free of Asian carp.

The provision was part of a highway funding bill that cleared the House and Senate on Friday. If signed by President Barack Obama, the measure will set an 18-month deadline for the Army corps to finish its Asian carp plan.

Corps officials said in May they would submit a report by the end of 2013, roughly the same time as required under the legislation. But officials said they would provide only a list of options for Congress and the public to consider.

The legislation instead requires specific steps for preventing species migrations at 18 potential entry points, including Chicago-area rivers and canals.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.