Funding deal will push forward two-decade-plus effort to build barriers and take other steps to prevent invasive species migration into the key U.S. shipping and recreation hub.

Enbridge Energy will issue requests for proposals in the coming weeks for contractors to construct a $500-million Great Lakes tunnel to carry crude oil and natural gas liquids through the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan and Ontario.

Citing spill risks, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) set a May 13 deadline to shut down the portion of the oil and natural gas line that runs through the straits of Mackinac between the state and Ontario, but Canada opposes closure.

New analysis estimates much higher benefit-cost ratio than in 2005 Corps report.