• Home
  • News
    • UP 200
    • Local
    • Lansing Bureau
    • Washington D.C. Bureau
    • National
    • Insights
    • Watch 19 News Live
    • CBS News Live
    • Report News
  • Weather
    • Forecast + Conditions
    • Current Alerts
    • Interactive Radar
    • Cameras
    • Share Photos/Videos
    • Closings and Delays
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Life in the 906
    • The Yooper Goddess
WZMQ 19 News | CBS | MeTV Marquette
Mostly Cloudy

Marquette
Mostly Cloudy 46°

Cloudy

Escanaba
Cloudy 52°

Light Rain

Houghton
Light Rain 61°

Mostly Cloudy

Iron Mountain
Mostly Cloudy 50°

Watch
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • UP 200
    • Local
    • Lansing Bureau
    • Washington D.C. Bureau
    • National
    • Insights
    • Watch 19 News Live
    • CBS News Live
    • Report News
  • Weather
    • Forecast + Conditions
    • Current Alerts
    • Interactive Radar
    • Cameras
    • Share Photos/Videos
    • Closings and Delays
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Life in the 906
    • The Yooper Goddess
WZMQ 19 News | CBS | MeTV Marquette
No Result
View All Result
WZMQ 19 News | CBS | MeTV Marquette
No Result
View All Result

Proposed State Funding Could Revitalize Upper Peninsula Economy

by Sophia Murphy
June 17, 2025 - Updated on June 18, 2025
A A

LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Wakefield Township leaders are urging lawmakers in Lansing to approve a $50 million grant they say could reshape the economy of Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula.

The funding, still under consideration in the state budget, would support development around the Copperwood Mine project, improve outdated infrastructure, and boost year-round tourism.

“This opportunity only comes around once in a generation,” said Mandy Lake, Wakefield Township Supervisor. “We’re lacking in jobs, our population is declining… Without mining and logging, I’m not quite sure how we’re going to sustain even the simplest of services.”

The funding proposal includes repairs to County Road 519, a key route to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The road hasn’t been fully repaved in decades, and township officials say its poor condition discourages business and tourist traffic. It also serves as the only access point to Wakefield’s industrial park.

“We have an industrial park and logging operations and possibilities, but nobody wants to go because the road is so awful,” Lake said. “Without this grant helping us repave and upgrade it, I don’t really know what’s going to go on with our industrial park.”

The $50 million request is tied to both House and Senate proposals, either through the main budget or a supplemental spending bill, and lawmakers are still negotiating how and when to move it forward.

Proponents argue the investment is critical not just for the mine, but for stabilizing an economy that’s become increasingly fragile due to industry decline and inconsistent tourism seasons.

“We just saw last year small business loans having to be issued because there was a lack of snow,” Lake said. “Several restaurants closed again, and they’re not reopening.”

The grant would also help modernize the region’s electrical grid, support essential services, and create more good-paying jobs to keep families from moving away.

Lawmakers have until July 1 to pass a final state budget. Advocates say this project represents a rare chance to rebuild the Upper Peninsula’s economic foundation, and they’re hopeful Lansing will deliver.

Get WZMQ 19 anytime, anywhere

Download the app

AppleAndroid

Watch on TV

RokuFire TVZeam

Connect on social media

FacebookTwitterInstagram

More

A family checks out at Pak Ratz
News

Pak Ratz Thrift eases back-to-school sticker shock for families

August 26, 2025
News

Insights: Aspirus discusses concussion risks as fall sports begin

August 26, 2025
The Dickinson County Board once again voted down funding for Michigan State University Extension services. The decision was made on Monday night with a 4–1 vote.
News

Dickinson County may lose 4-H

August 26, 2025
News

Michigan House Republicans Pass $78.5 Billion Budget After 7-Week Delay

August 26, 2025
Images courtesy of the Marquette Police Department
News

Marquette Police ask for public’s help to find missing woman

August 26, 2025
News

Economic Development Leaders Release ‘Top 10 Priorities’ for Michigan’s Growth

August 26, 2025
Next Post

Solar Energy Advocates Rally for Changes to Republican Spending Bill

The tours look at maritime commerce and its connection to the city, as Marquette would not exist without this harbor sentry.

Marquette Lighthouse Tours resume for the summer

  • Home
  • News
  • Weather
  • Sports
  • Features
  • Events
  • Programming
  • Station
WZMQ CBS | 19 News

© 2025 WZMQ, LLC | FCC Public File | EEO Report

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • UP 200
    • Local
    • Lansing Bureau
    • Washington D.C. Bureau
    • National
    • Insights
    • Watch 19 News Live
    • CBS News Live
    • Report News
  • Weather
    • Forecast + Conditions
    • Current Alerts
    • Interactive Radar
    • Cameras
    • Share Photos/Videos
    • Closings and Delays
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Life in the 906
    • The Yooper Goddess
  • Events
  • Programming
    • Programming Guide
    • CBS
    • MeTV
    • Start TV
    • Heroes & Icons
    • Court TV
    • ION
  • Station
    • About Us
    • Community Involvement
    • Mobile App
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact
    • Careers
    • Advertising
    • Request Copy of Story
    • FCC Public File
    • EEO Report
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • UP 200
    • Local
    • Lansing Bureau
    • Washington D.C. Bureau
    • National
    • Insights
    • Watch 19 News Live
    • CBS News Live
    • Report News
  • Weather
    • Forecast + Conditions
    • Current Alerts
    • Interactive Radar
    • Cameras
    • Share Photos/Videos
    • Closings and Delays
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Life in the 906
    • The Yooper Goddess
  • Events
  • Programming
    • Programming Guide
    • CBS
    • MeTV
    • Start TV
    • Heroes & Icons
    • Court TV
    • ION
  • Station
    • About Us
    • Community Involvement
    • Mobile App
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact
    • Careers
    • Advertising
    • Request Copy of Story
    • FCC Public File
    • EEO Report
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our privacy policy.