North Michigan News

State Senator Ed McBroom expressed his gratitude to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) for approving Enbridge's plan to construct a tunnel for Line 5 beneath the Straits of Mackinac. McBroom commended the commission for carefully considering the information they had received and recognizing the necessity and safety benefits of the tunnel.

"The tunnel project was approved by the Legislature five years ago with bipartisan support to protect our Great Lakes — while also creating thousands of good-paying, mainly union jobs," McBroom stated. He emphasized that the tunnel would not only ensure the protection of the environment but also provide affordable propane for heating homes and support numerous jobs in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan.

The MPSC's decision comes after McBroom and all 18 members of the Senate Republican caucus sent a letter urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Governor Gretchen Whitmer to expedite the permitting processes for the Great Lakes Tunnel Project. McBroom highlighted the importance of ending the delays and allowing construction to commence, as the project had already experienced setbacks due to permitting delays.

"Now that the commission has approved the tunnel plan, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should get their act together and issue the final permit," McBroom urged. He further emphasized that the delay in considering a quarter-acre impact to the inland shore was incomparable to the benefits the project would bring to the people and the environment of the state.

The approval of Enbridge's tunnel plan marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safe transportation of energy resources while protecting the Great Lakes. The MPSC's careful consideration and ultimate decision to approve the tunnel plan have been praised by Senator Ed McBroom, who recognized the importance of the project in creating jobs and securing the supply of essential products.

With the MPSC's approval, attention now turns to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the final permit and allow the construction process to proceed. It is anticipated that the tunnel will be operational by 2024, benefiting the people of Michigan and the region as a whole.

For more updates on state government matters, interested individuals can subscribe to Senator Ed McBroom's email list and stay informed about the latest developments.

###Subscribe to my email list and stay informed about  your state government.

Follow me

Senator Ed McBroom

P.O. Box 30036

Lansing, MI 48909-7536

Click this link to access more information: https://www.senatoredmcbroom.com/mcbroom-thanks-mpsc-for-approving-plan-for-line-5-tunnel-under-straits-of-mackinac/