The carp, imported to Arkansas 30 years ago, escaped into the Mississippi River system and multiplied quickly. Experts say they are within 45 miles of the Great Lakes and the only thing in their way is a smaller electric barrier that was not intended to be a permanent solution.
Gov. Jim Doyle wrote Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Defense Secretary Robert Gates on behalf of the Council of Great Lakes Governors, asking for a "detailed work plan and timeline" on the completion of testing.