Mayors call for Asian carp solution

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WSAU) - The Democrats’ top candidate for governor says Chicago’s shipping canal should be closed if it would keep the Asian carp out of Lake Michigan.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett joined the mayors of Kenosha and Cudahy at a news conference today – before Jim Doyle and other Midwest governors were to meet with federal officials at the White House on the subject.

Barrett said they strongly urge the White House and the federal EPA to take “whatever steps are necessary” to make sure the bloated carp stays out of Lake Michigan.

There’s DNA evidence that the Asian Carp has already gotten into the lake, past an electronic barrier designed to keep them out.

Many Midwest officials are using whatever political and legal clout they have to order the closing of two Chicago shipping canals – a move Illinois and the Obama administration have both opposed.

Supporters say the Asian carp has the potential to ruin the fishing industry and nature life on the Great Lakes – but opponents say closing the canals would devastate Chicago’s economy.

Barrett says he believes everyone recognizes the carp is a serious issue – and the question is what to do about it.