WASHINGTON D.C., (WLUC)-  At the swearing in of the House in Washington, Republican Congressman Jack Bergman spoke about the Soo Locks and a potential timeline for the project to begin.

More money has been requested for the new lock in President Trump’s 2020 budget.

The Detroit Army Corps of Engineers already has money in the work plan to finish the design and to get everything ready for the bid process.

There are still several steps that need to be taken before construction can begin but Congressman Bergman is hopeful that it will be in less than 2 years.

“When will they see shovels in ground? It’s probably going to be 18 months. Somewhere in that area because the design phase now is whats already been authorized by the latest funding,” said Bergman.

In December, Michigan and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a memorandum of agreement officially committing Michigan’s contribution of up to $52 million for the new lock.