MARQUETTE — The Marquette County Board of Commissioners at its meeting today will discuss a change to state statute regarding paid medical leave benefits.

The recently enacted statute mandates that the county provide paid medical leave to certain employees who currently do not receive the benefit because they work less than half-time, according to board documents.

Eligible employees will accrue medical leave at a rate of one hour for each 35 hours worked, with a maximum accrual of one hour per week, not to exceed 52 hours per year and a maximum of 120 hours accumulated.

The board will also consider a resolution in support of Enbridge Inc.’s proposed tunnel project for Line 5, a light crude and natural gas liquids pipeline to run beneath the Straits of Mackinac.

Enbridge has proposed to invest $500 million by placing a tunnel with 1-foot-thick concrete walls 100 feet underground to reduce the chances of a leak into the straits.

The resolution states that shutting down the pipeline prior to construction of the tunnel poses a risk to the energy supply, local producers, regional airports and refineries, jobs and the local economy.

If approved, the resolution will state the board’s support for the tunnel and “urges the state of Michigan to work with Enbridge to complete the tunnel project as quickly as possible and not disrupt Line 5 service before the tunnel can be completed.”

Trinity Carey can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is tcarey@miningjournal.net.