At right: Four large sections of an asphalt plant were shipped over to Bois Blanc from the mainland by barge Saturday, August 13, which will mix and make asphalt to pour on the newly-extended Point Aux Pins Airport. (Photograph courtesty of Joan Schroka) A new blight ordinance is in place on Bois Blanc Island and it targets building material, “junk vehicles,” and trash in general. The township ordinance is backed by a new civil infraction ordinance that allows the Mackinac County Sheriff or township building inspector to issue citations when a violation occurs.

The ordinance was passed at the regular meeting of Bois Blanc Township Wednesday, August 10.

“Building materials” is defined as lumber, bricks, concrete, cinder blocks, plumbing materials, electrical wiring or equipment, nails, screws, and other construction items. Such items can be stored on the premises as long as the property owner has a valid building permit.

The term “junk vehicle,” according to the ordinance, is any vehicle not licensed for use on state roadways and any motor vehicle that is inoperable or otherwise in such a condition as to not be lawfully operated upon the public roadways.

“Junk” would be items such as machinery or vehicle parts, unused appliances, and wood or metal.

“It kind of opens a can of worms,” said Township Supervisor Loren Gibbons about the new ordinance. “One person’s blight is another person’s treasure.”

Refuse can not be stored on the property more than 15 days unless it is stored in an enclosed building or shelter.

The first violation within a three-year period could result in a fine from $50 to $500, and subsequent fines increase to a minimum of $400 after the fourth violation.

In other news, a crowd of people gathered at the harbor in Bois Blanc to watch a large section of an asphalt plant being shipped from the mainland Saturday, August 13. The plant will be used to make asphalt for the Point Aux Pins airport runway.

Bois Blanc is extending its runway from 2,500 feet to 3,500, making it possible to welcome bigger propellor airplanes and emergency evacuation planes, said Mr. Gibbons. The $1.9 million it will take to extend the runway, pave it, paint it, and install a new electrical system is funded federally through the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, with the state and Bois Blanc Township contributing five percent.

The airport has a 2,400-foot seasonal sod runway. There is no control tower, so pilots radio their location and intention as they approach, land, or take off.

The asphalt plant, loaned from a company in Escanaba, was shipped to the Island in four large, heavy pieces. The pieces were then hauled by a tractor pulling a flatbed, which was carefully towed to the airport from the dock, avoiding knocking over trees and structures along the way. The pieces have yet to be assembled, said Township Clerk Joan Schroka.

Part of the project, though financially separate, is the creation of a new road near the airport. With the runway extending an additional 1,000 feet, a road must be created at the head of it to be able to cross past the airport. The plan has been approved by Michigan Department of Transportation and now awaits approval from the Mackinac County Road Commission. Mr. Gibbons said he will be talking with Road Commission Manager Craig Kelso soon.

The process of paving should begin this week. Mr. Gibbons hopes to have the project done in September. The township’s Harbor Commission is looking into having the harbor’s parking lot and causeway paved while the plant is here. Projects also needed at the harbor are installing two more light poles and burying all the wires at the dock.