Bill Text: MI HR0282 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to support the timely issuing of permits for the construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project and to support the private investment and employment opportunities afforded by the project.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-06-24 - Roll Call Roll Call # 265 Yeas 80 Nays 28 Excused 0 Not Voting 1 [HR0282 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HR0282-Introduced.html
house resolution no.282
Rep. Markkanen offered the following resolution:
Whereas, The Enbridge Line 5 pipeline is critical infrastructure for the state of Michigan. Residents in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula rely on the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline to heat their homes and support the local economy. In addition to providing energy for northern Michigan, the Line 5 pipeline meets the energy and petroleum demand of the entire upper Midwest; and
Whereas, After consideration and negotiation, the state and Enbridge agreed that a multi-use utility tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac is the best long-term solution to ensure Michigan's sustainable energy future while also protecting the Great Lakes far into the future. The construction of the tunnel will allow for the replacement of a segment of the Line 5 pipeline that currently crosses the bottom of the straits; and
Whereas, The Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority (MSCA) entered into the Tunnel Agreement with Enbridge for the construction of a utility tunnel - the Great Lakes Tunnel Project - on December 19, 2018, in conjunction with the agreements between the state and Enbridge. The constitutionality of the MSCA has been upheld by the Michigan Court of Claims and the Michigan Court of Appeals; and
Whereas, The Great Lakes Tunnel Project is an environmentally wise option for the state. The tunnel will mitigate the risk of an oil spill in the Great Lakes and will improve the ability to safely and efficiently transmit energy resources across the state; and
Whereas, The construction of the tunnel will produce significant economic benefits. Private investment for the project is estimated to be over $500 million. The construction of the tunnel will require approximately 2 million work hours from many of Michigan's skilled-trade workers, including welders, operators, pipe fitters, laborers, and other trades, and maintenance of the tunnel will create high-paying, union jobs that will be a boon to local communities; and
Whereas, Officials in at least 20 counties, and numerous local governments, have passed resolutions in support of the tunnel and to urge the state to assist in ensuring the quick construction of the tunnel; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we support the timely issuing of permits for the construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project; and be it further
Resolved, That we support the private investment and employment opportunities afforded by the Great Lakes Tunnel Project; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the members of the Michigan Public Service Commission.
