LANSING, MI (MPRN)-- The Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority has approved agreements with Enbridge Energy for a proposed tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac.
Enbridge is planning to build the tunnel to house a replacement section of its twin Line 5 oil pipelines under the Straits. Fifty-one people spoke at the panel's meeting Wednesday. Those opposed to the tunnel plan say it's dangerous and happening way too fast.
Mike Ripley represented the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority. It coordinates tribes with treaty fishing rights in the Straits of Mackinac.
"We debated on whether to even come today to give legitimacy to this. We don't think this is a legitimate board, and we're very concerned about the undemocratic process in the last month that's gone on in the lame duck legislature in Michigan," he says.
Supporters, including many local Enbridge employees, said the tunnel plan is safe and good for Michigan's economy.