For Immediate Release: August 19, 2022
Kincheloe, MI – The Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) Receives $550,000 for Rail Updates
On July 1, 2022, the State of Michigan announced the approved fiscal year 2023 state budget. House Bill 5783 passed allowing funding for projects specific to Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula that would allow local roads and bridges to be updated. On July 20, 2022, Gov. Whitmer signed fourth the balanced and bipartisan budget. That budget included $550,000 of new rail funding for the CCEDC Air and Industrial Park in Kincheloe, MI.
The CCEDC manages 2.5 miles of rail that is served by Canadian National (CN). The CCEDC facilitates private propane distribution in its industrial park that assures affordable and reliable energy to the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower MI. The CCEDC has identified the priority of replacing 12,380 feet of aging rail as part of a long-term plan to update its rail infrastructure to ensure critical energy supply needs to the region.
“This rail improvement is another key infrastructure investment that will ensure reliable energy supply throughout the region”, stated CCEDC President Chris Olson. “I want to thank Senator Schmidt for his support of this important rail investment as having sufficient rail capacity to bring propane for distribution to the region is a critical need to our rural residents”, stated Olson.
“This funding will help modernize a portion of rail that dates back over 100 years”, said State Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City. “Updating this rail will ensure that the Upper Peninsula remains connected with improved rail infrastructure that can move natural resources and finished products outside of Michigan”.
This latest investment will be in addition to a previous $2.7M in facility upgrades to increase overall rail capacity by nearly 300%.
The Chippewa County EDC’s mission is to encourage economic growth through strengthening the county’s competitive position and facilitating investments that build capacity, create jobs, generate economic opportunity, and improve quality of life. The Chippewa County EDC also manages the Chippewa County International Airport and the Kincheloe Industrial Park.
Media Contact:
Chris Olson
President, Chippewa County EDC
Contact: 906-495-5631, chrisolson@chippewacountyedc.com
