Copperwood Project brings hope for families in the U.P. Families like mine, who have lived in Wakefield for generations, remember how our community used to thrive. We remember the jobs and industries that once had a place in the Upper Peninsula. We know mining is a big part of our history and culture. I encourage you to spend a few hours at the Wakefield Historical Society and Museum.

We don’t have a ton of jobs or industry and many of our small businesses are struggling to stay afloat because of the shrinking population. Even our high schools are feeling the impact as graduation classes get smaller every year.

That’s why so many locals support the Copperwood project. It represents hope for families. It’s an opportunity for a brighter future, where families have jobs they need to stay in their hometowns and their children don’t have to move downstate or even out of state to find a successful career.

Some people worry that their jobs will disappear when the mine closes, but the 11-year mine life is only an estimate. They expect a three-year construction period, plus an 11-year operating period, then a multi-year closure. That’s 15-20 years of significant economic impact on the table. To me, this means Copperwood doesn’t just bring “short-term” jobs, it’s long-term opportunities that will keep our community strong for years to come.

Those opposed to the project also cite environmental concerns, but that is offensive to those of us who live here year-round because it assumes we would support a project that would harm Lake Superior or the Porcupine Mountains. We live in the U.P. because we love and appreciate Michigan’s natural beauty. Hunting, fishing, hiking and camping are a way of life here.

Michigan has some of the strictest mining laws in the nation, supported by environmental advocacy groups across the state. The reality is that mining today is not the mining of the past. We know it can be done safely and that mining and recreation can coexist. Once the Copperwood Project is complete, in cooperation with Gogebic County Forestry, will preserve more than 700 acres of high-quality wetlands where species like turtles and deer can live long, happy lives.

The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution of support for the Copperwood project. Earlier this year, we unanimously approved another resolution of support. And we weren’t alone. Ironwood Township, Wakefield Township, Erwin Township and the Gogebic County Road Commission all unanimously approved new resolutions of support.

I’ve received calls from people who are against the mine, but none of them had a 906 area code. My constituents overwhelmingly support the project and were happy to see the township’s request to Lansing to administer a $50 million infrastructure grant.

There is a lot of misinformation about how this grant will be used. The money will go directly to Wakefield Township. Wakefield Township and state of Michigan will have the final say in how it’s spent. The grant will help advance the Copperwood project, but it will do more. It will help our community make improvements that we cannot afford to make on our own, that will help us attract more businesses, industry and residents, not to mention the millions in tax revenue the project will generate for the area so we can provide crucial services and invest in our future.

Taking a stand against the Copperwood project is fundamentally taking a stand against the people of the western U.P., our future and our economic growth. We can’t let misinformation and the opinions of people who don’t live in the Upper Peninsula or even Michigan ruin a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Those of us who live here know what is best for our families and our future.

Visit www.copperwoodproject.com.