LANSING, MI— Wakefield Township Supervisor Mandy Lake testified in front of a Michigan House subcommittee this week to request a $50 million grant for the township.
She told lawmakers on the Labor and Economic Opportunity Subcommittee the money would be used to make needed improvements to infrastructure, like upgrading County Road 519 to an all-season road, enhancing internet access, and improving road access to the industrial park.
Lake and Representative Dave Prestin said the grant would lay the groundwork to attract new employers to the area. That could include the Copperwood Mine, which would be located near the Lake Superior shoreline. Wakefield Township officials have expressed support for construction of the mine, saying it would create much-needed jobs.
However, environmental groups like Protect the Porkies are concerned the mine could negatively affect sensitive natural areas and possibly pollute Lake Superior.
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee did not approve a $50 million grant to Highland Copper for the mine in its last session.
