The Michigan legislature has extended their budget negotiations past the October 1st deadline. We have received reports that the Copperwood funding is included, but we have also received reports to the contrary. The $50 million for Copperwood infrastructure may be being used as a bargaining chip — in one moment, out the next, then back in again — as part of political “horse trading.” Since these are private, closed-door sessions, it is safest to assume maximum chaos, which means it’s crucial that we make our voices heard as soon as possible.
RECAP: The State of Michigan is considering approving $50 million for preliminary infrastructure — cell towers, heavy industrial roads, and power grid expansion — to enable development of the proposed Copperwood Mine, adjacent to Lake Superior and Porcupine Mountains State Park. This is the same funding twice defeated last year, now deceptively rebranded as “community infrastructure for Wakefield Township.” Regardless of the recipient, the funding’s approval will be touted as a “true endorsement from the State of Michigan” by the company’s CEO, triggering an avalanche of private investment and potentially the approval of an additional $250 million in debt financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States — a significant chunk of the $425 million needed for construction.
So the $50 million could be the straw to break the camel’s back — or we could make it blow away in the wind.
ACTION: Reach out to lawmakers everyday until we have decisive news
All Michigan Residents:
- Please reach out first to your state representative and state senator
Downstate Michiganders:
- Also reach out to Senate Majority Chair Winnie Brinks
517-373-1801 SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov
Upper Peninsula Residents:
- Reach out to House Speaker Matt Hall
517-373-1784 MattHall@house.mi.gov
Let him know there is significant local opposition to Copperwood and its funding with taxpayer dollars. - You may also reach out to Senate Majority Chair Winnie Brinks (above) and tell her the same.
- You are welcome to contact your own local state lawmakers — though they are unlikely to change their tune at this juncture, it is always important for them to hear from constituents.
Non-Residents:
- You will have the most impact with Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Let her know Michigan’s reputation is on the line; her legacy is on the line; and if she runs for higher office, your vote is on the line.
Leave a voice message: 517-335-7858
Written Contact Form
————————————————
SAMPLE MESSAGE
Hello,
My name is ___________ and I’m a resident of ____________. I’m calling/writing to urge you to deny the $50 million for Copperwood Mine infrastructure in Wakefield Township.
The juncture of the Porcupine Mountains with Lake Superior and the North Country Trail is a cherished location, visited by hundreds of thousands from around the state and nation. To disrupt this area with the industrial sprawl in the form of the proposed infrastructure — and then with an operating sulfide mine and all the air, light, noise, and water contamination that it entails — would be to tarnish the reputation of Pure Michigan and leave a scar on the legacy of any lawmaker who supported it.
Far from helping the economy, the research is clear that boom-and-bust mining is the very reason that so many rural communities have struggled to find a sustainable foothold. Fortunately, due to the growth of locally-based businesses that do not ship wealth out of state and out of country, the Western Upper Peninsula’s economy is coming of age. Using taxpayer dollars to accelerate Copperwood is to drag this area back to the frontlines of extraction.
Such a quantity of funding could be put to great use in jumpstarting locally-owned businesses which will not board up shop in 10.7 years, or in fixing roads and other infrastructure in places which are already developed.
Assisting an inexperienced, foreign extractive company in their first ever mine at the worst spot imaginable is not an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. Regardless of whether or not the controversial advances, it should do so through the free market, and not on the backs of taxpayers. Please eliminate the $50 million for Copperwood Mine infrastructure from the 2026 budget to allow more worthwhile and less divisive items to be included.
Thank you for your consideration.
_______________
Alright folks, the clock is ticking! Please keep up the heat until we have decisive news, either this weekend or next week.
In solidarity,
Tom and the Protect the Porkies team
Protect the Porkies is a volunteer-run initiative. To support our mission, click here.