Conference draws U.P. legislators

BARK RIVER - Federal and state legistalors fielded questions and concerns during the annual fall conference of the Upper Peninsula Association of County Commissioners in Harris Friday.

They included Congressman Bart Stupak, State Representatives Tom Casperson, Mike Lahti and Steven Lindberg, and State Sen. Mike Prusi were present to field questions and concerns during the annual fall conference of the Upper Peninsula Association of County Commissioners.

In his opening remarks, Stupak mentioned the recently closed Niagara paper mill, stressing to those present the door had not closed on the mill, as he still saw a potential use for the mill.

Menominee County residents also recently saw another business take a hit - Marinette Marine.

"Marinette Marine just lost a fast cutter contract, and there are questions being asked concerning the manner in which the contract was awarded," said Stupak.

One question posed to Stupak dealt with a proposed nickel mine in Marquette County, along the Yellow Dog Plains.

Stupak said he did not believe the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would release any permits allowing for sulfide mining or injection wells until the contested cases had been cleared up.

"There are three things which I feel need to be done, and one is for an independent study be conducted showing the potential impact such mining will have," he said.

"We needed to come together, we need to pull together to bring more employment opportunities to Michigan," said State Representative Tom Casperson.

He also spoke on the issue of deer baiting bans, noting Kent County was one area where baiting was being prohibited due to the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

"There has been quite a bit of discussion concerning the issue of baiting, especially now with the firearm hunting season close at hand," said Casperson.

Concerning the topic of the proposed Kennecott sulfide mine for nickel and other ores, Casperson said the mine could be the beginning, if done properly, of the U.P. becoming a leading power source worldwide.

State Sen. Mike Prusi also spoke out on the economy, saying revenue was down by 3 percent, and the state was operating on assumptions.

"We can't make any solid decisions in Lansing until we see what transpires in Washington," said Prusi.

State Rep. Steven Lindberg noted the passage of the Great Lakes Compact was a step in the right direction.