Miller: Assistance Cannot Come Soon Enough

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) today commended the deployment of additional U.S. Coast Guard resources to complete a three to four day mission to breakup the nine mile ice jam forming in the St. Clair River by the Algonac, Harsens Island area. This ice jam is affecting the water levels north of the jam which is causing the water to rise and some flooding, and the water levels south in Lake St. Clair dropping by at least two feet. The mission cannot begin until Monday, February 22nd while the necessary ice breaking capabilities are in transit to the ice jam site.

“This mission can’t begin soon enough, to give relief to the area and the surrounding properties, and minimize any further damage caused by this ice jam,” Miller said. “I was recently aboard the USCGC Hollyhock and saw the ice jam and its incredible size – immediate assistance is needed. Additionally, the Harsens Island Ferry service will be suspended temporarily for several days while these cutters complete their mission. This is a very unique situation and it hasn’t been since 1984 that our area has seen an ice jam of this magnitude. The condition must be addressed and the Coast Guard is on the scene working hard to address the situation.”

The mission’s operations will be preformed by the USCGC Mackinaw from Cheboygan, Michigan, the USCGC Mobile Bay from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the USCGC Neah Bay from Cleveland, Ohio and the Canadian CCGS Samuel Risley from Parry Sound, Ontario.

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