State Rep. Parker Fairbairn today announced he and fellow members of the Northern Michigan Legislative Caucus have submitted a formal letter of support to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, urging the finalization of its draft Environmental Impact Study for the Great Lakes Tunnel Project and calling for prompt approval of permits needed to begin construction.

Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs, said the Great Lakes Tunnel, which will house a replacement section of the Line 5 pipeline deep beneath the Straits of Mackinac, is critical to both protecting the Great Lakes and preserving access to affordable, reliable energy for families, small businesses, and job creators throughout Northern Michigan.

“This tunnel is a long-overdue upgrade to our energy infrastructure that will safeguard our environment while keeping energy flowing safely to the people and communities that depend on it,” Fairbairn said. “The vast majority of people in Northern Michigan are united on this. The study is done, the facts are clear, and it’s time to move forward.”

In the letter, Fairbairn and 12 other members of the bicameral Northern Michigan Caucus express strong support for the project’s stated purpose: to provide the safe transportation of light crude oil and natural gas liquids while minimizing environmental risk. The representatives praise the tunnel as a common-sense solution that meets Michigan’s energy needs and protects its natural resources through enhanced safety and modern engineering.

The tunnel project was first approved through an agreement between the State of Michigan and Enbridge in 2018. The Environmental Impact Study now under federal review compares the tunnel plan to various alternatives and outlines the relative impacts.

Fairbairn emphasized that after years of debate and delays, it’s time to move forward.

“Northern Michigan families and employers can’t afford more political games. Let’s protect the Great Lakes and ensure Michiganders still have heat in the winter and fuel at the pump,” Fairbairn said. “This is a responsible plan that serves to enhance environmental protection and energy security, and it’s time to get it done.”

A full copy of the letter is available here.