Professor disputes costs of closing locks against Asian carp

(AP) — A Wayne State University business professor says opponents are overstating the cost of closing Chicago shipping locks to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.

John Taylor says closing the locks would boost transportation costs by $70 million a year. But many fear the $7 billion Great Lakes fishing industry would be in jeopardy if the unwanted carp become established there.

Taylor analyzed potential economic losses for Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, who wants the U.S. Supreme Court to order the locks closed and require eventual separation of the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River system.

Many Chicago barge and tour boat operators say closing the locks would ruin their businesses.

Taylor is scheduled to discuss his findings with reporters Thursday.