MARQUETTE, MI— Almost 31 years after the closure of K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Marquette County officials are discussing bringing the military back.
At a meeting Tuesday, the Marquette County Board approved a resolution to begin talks with defense personnel about possibly reestablishing a base at Sawyer. It says the now-Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport remains a strategic asset capable of supporting both civilian aviation and military aviation activities.
Board Chair Joe Derocha said the resolution is a “starting point” in attracting activities that could revitalize the region.
While some residents expressed concern about potentially losing their housing, commissioners said that won’t happen. They say the resolution is meant to gauge interest from local shareholders and encourage conversations with the military sector.
U.P. state lawmakers are applauding the decision. The Republicans say the Superior region remains strategically important in U.S. defense.
