LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority met Friday to review the status of Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project, including ongoing court cases, environmental permits, project costs, and the selection of a key contractor.
The board first heard an update on a legal challenge involving a state permit issued by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Attorney Devin Sullivan told members the Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to hear appeals of the commission’s approval of a replacement segment of Line 5 that would run through the tunnel. Sullivan explained the authority is not required to take part in the case because the permit applies to the pipeline itself, not the tunnel the authority oversees.
Board members also discussed a new federal environmental review being conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps is taking another look at an alternative construction method that was not part of the original tunnel plan. While the public comment period has closed, the board voted to send a letter to the Corps explaining that the alternative method does not match the tunnel design approved in state law and existing agreements with Enbridge.
Updates were also provided on state environmental permits. Officials said a water discharge permit is still being drafted and is expected to be released for public comment early next year. A separate wetlands and submerged lands permit is still under review, with a decision now expected by the end of January.
Enbridge representatives told the board the company still holds a valid water discharge permit and said extensions are sometimes requested to give regulators more time to review complex applications. The company said it is focused on securing permits that can withstand legal challenges.
The authority also discussed its finances. Project manager Stephen Ward said about $1.3 million remains available in the current budget, but that will not be enough to cover the full cost of overseeing the project through completion. The authority has started the process of requesting additional state funding, which could take up to 18 months. In the meantime, contracts will be structured so spending does not exceed available funds.
The board also moved forward with selecting RS&H of Michigan as its recommended firm to oversee construction once the project advances. One board member stepped aside from the vote due to past employment with a subcontractor connected to the firm. The selection was approved pending a final contract.
The meeting concluded with additional updates and scheduling of future meetings as the Line 5 tunnel project moves toward several key decisions in 2026.
