Tribe, Cities, Businesses Favor Gradual Bridge Fare Hike
Thursday Meetings Will Mount Public Letter Campaign
By Ellen Paquin

Concerned about the impact on the local economy if Mackinac Bridge fares jump to $4 as early as January 1, Eastern Upper Peninsula cities and tourism promoters are banding together to urge support for phasing in the toll increase gradually, from now until 2013. Tourism interests will host two meetings Thursday, November 29, in St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie, where they will distribute letters that can be sent to Governor Jennifer Granholm, Mackinac Bridge Authority members, State Senator Jason Allen, State Representative Gary McDowell, Senator Carl Levin, Congressman Bart Stupak, and other lawmakers, seeking support for the graduated toll increase.

The public information sessions conducted by the tourism organizations are planned for Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace and from noon to 1 p.m. at Kewadin Casinos in Sault Ste. Marie. They are not public hearings, but will provide the public with addresses for lawmakers and Authority members.

Joining in the effort are the cities of St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and Chambers of Commerce and Visitors Bureaus from St. Ignace, Les Cheneaux, Sault Ste. Marie, and DeTour Village/ Drummond Island. They have drafted sample letters for residents, business owners, and hotel operators to send to lawmakers and the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA). Copies of the letters will be made available to people at the meetings Thursday and will also be available from the Chamber of Commerce offices any time. They need only to be signed and mailed, said Janet Peterson of the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce.

"If we really want them to take a look at our concerns, they need to be hearing from our community," said Mrs. Peterson of the decision makers. "We need to be vocal. We would like our voice to have an impact."

At the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau, Director Lynne Piippo said her agency is involved with the effort because she's hearing local hotel owners are concerned about the price increase.

"People in the area are willing to listen to proposals, but it sure is a lot to swallow with all the other increases to taxes and costs of living in Michigan right now. Our members and many voices in the local community are very concerned about the increase," Mrs. Piippo said. "The MBA has sprung this on us at the last minute, so to speak, with less than 60 days from notification to implementation. We would also like to see guarantees in writing from the MBA about how this increased revenue would be spent. What are their plans if the increase in tolls fails to increase revenue, and less crossings occur because of the increased cost? We would also like to see the bridge have a marketing position on staff. The bridge should be trying to enhance revenues by showcasing the structure as a tourist adventure of its own. They have the viewing park and they could do much more to promote the bridge. We will support the MBA staff in their efforts to find a way to fund the maintenance projects needed."

While the responsibility of setting rates ultimately rests with the Mackinac Bridge Authority, the letters drafted to lawmakers ask each one to "bring this matter up for discussion to help the people of northern Michigan's tourism industry." The fare increase "will have a negative economic impact in our community," the letters say, noting a decrease in travel in recent years and a poor general economy in the state. Acknowledging the Authority's need to pay for bridge maintenance, the letters push for a solution that bumps up fares gradually.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority will soon decide between two proposals: Proposal A, which calls for an immediate 60% increase in the fare, and Proposal B, which calls for a twostep increase of 50¢ in January, and another $1 in 2013. Tourism promoters hosting the Thursday forums are in favor of Proposal B.

Both proposals under consideration preserve commuter discounts. Under Proposal A, commuter rates would rise from $1.50 per crossing to $2 in January, while under Proposal B, commuter rates would remain unchanged now, with a jump to $2 in 2013.

Before deciding on a plan of action, the Authority will host its own public hearings in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City Tuesday, December 4, and in Lansing Thursday, December 6. The Authority is expected to decide on the matter December 20.

The Mackinac Bridge needs work, including a $40 million painting project and a $190 million deck replacement, and declining traffic and falling revenues make the toll increase necessary to help pay for the projects, Authority members say.

The Authority will host public hearings December 4 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace and from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Inn on Huron Avenue in Mackinaw City. A December 6 hearing will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lansing Michigan Department of Transportation Building.

Those unable to attend may send comments to meeting chairman Robert H. Parsons, Public Involvement and Hearings Officer, Bureau of Transportation Planning, MDOT, P.O. Box 30050, Lansing, Michigan 48909. Opinions can be sent by e-mail to www.parsonsb@michigan. gov, and by fax to 517-373- 9255.

Fares for other types of vehicles will also be affected by the increase, as reported in The St. Ignace News November 8. The most recent increase in bridge tolls was made in May 2003, from $1.50 per passenger vehicle to the current $2.50.

Letters To Be Distributed

This is a sample letter that will be distributed at public meetings in St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie Thursday. People will be able to sign the letters and send them to members of the Mackinac Bridge Authority. Separate letters are available to send to lawmakers. Area tourism promoters, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and the cities of St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie have mounted the letter campaign.

Dear Mackinac Bridge Authority Board Member:

I live and work in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I understand the Mackinac Bridge Authority is looking to increase its bridge fare. The Bridge is an important part of our community and I understand the Bridge has to be repaired and maintained.

I have seen the two proposals on the bridge fare increase and I hope the Bridge Authority will support Proposal B or a similar proposal that slowly increases the fare from now until 2013. We need time to prepare our marketing plans and our customers for the future hikes.

I thank you for your service to the Bridge and our community. I am confident you will bring this matter up for discussion to help the people of Northern Michigan's tourism industry.

Sincerely,