LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan’s newly approved $81 billion state budget leaves out a proposed $50 million infrastructure grant that would have supported road and utility upgrades near the Copperwood Mine in Wakefield Township, a decision drawing sharply different reactions across the Upper Peninsula.
Supporters of the project say the funding was critical to sparking long-term economic growth in Michigan’s western U.P., while environmental advocates are celebrating the move as a major victory for grassroots activism.
InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante said the omission isn’t a defeat, but another step in a long process.
“Having been involved in this work for 22 years, you understand that this process is never linear,” Fittante said. “All this has done for us is to further motivate us to explore all opportunities to ensure that this project, which is so needed, is built at the end of the day.”
He said regional leaders remain united behind the project, which they see as essential to stabilizing a declining population and diversifying the local economy.
“The Upper Peninsula is built on resiliency,” he said. “It’s what SISU is all about. We’re going to stay in the game and ensure that at the end of the day, this mine with all of the good-paying jobs that it brings is built.”
Environmental advocates, meanwhile, say the legislature made the right call.
Jane Fitkin, director of Citizens for a Safe and Clean Lake Superior, said she feels encouraged and empowered by the outcome.
“It really shows the power of the people and our ability to make our voices heard,” Fitkin said. “This is the third time we’ve defeated this funding. Hopefully we don’t have to do it many more times, but we’re prepared to continue to fight it.”
Fitkin called the funding a corporate handout for a foreign-owned company and said the $50 million could instead be used to support local tourism and small businesses.
“We’d love to see funding go toward supporting the community of Wakefieldnot, extending roads and utilities 15 miles into the wilderness just to serve the mine,” she said.
The Copperwood Mine, owned by Highland Copper, is fully permitted but still lacks funding for major infrastructure work, including the repaving of County Road 519 and utility extensions to the site.
While the grant didn’t make it into the final 2026 budget, both sides expect the debate to continue. Fittante said supporters are already looking for other avenues to fund the project, while Fitkin said her group is ready to fight any future attempts to revive the proposal.
