EUPTA Suffering Financially

Sault Sainte Marie – The passage of the Michigan transportation budget is greatly affecting the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority. Officials from the Sault Sainte Marie-based agency report the exact ramifications of the budget are yet to be determined. Preliminary data shows EUPTA bus funding will remain at its current level, but other services will have to be slashed. Executive Director Chuck Moser says the new budget severely cuts EUPTA's state reimbursement funding, which is the group's life-blood. Moser notes health insurance rates also have increased 20% in recent weeks. The changes are requiring EUPTA to raise rates, alter operational expenses, and reduce staff. Moser adds officials are doing all they can so as to not adversely affect residents. Moser says state authorities are currently computing EUPTA's budget based on a formula. He says the end amount will remain unsure for some time.