JUST LAUNCHED: New statewide coalition backs MI environmental, economic protections

LANSING—The Great Lakes, Michigan Jobs coalition is backing an initiative to build a Great Lakes Tunnel through the Mackinac Straits, allowing vital energy and manufacturing resources to support Michigan’s economy while protecting the state’s waterways.

The tunnel will replace a portion of Line 5, the pipeline that crosses the straits along the bottom of the lakebed connection Michigan’s peninsulas. Buried in rock hundreds of feet below the surface, the Great Lakes Tunnel will ensure the long-term safety of the line and keep the state’s economy in motion.

“We are firmly committed to ensuring the construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel,” said XXXXX. “It’s absolutely the right thing to do if we’re going keep our state on track toward prosperity. Privately funded and constructed with zero taxpayer dollars, the tunnel is a must-do for the people of Michigan.”

The coalition’s steering committee is made up of union labor, business and manufacturing interests—Democrats and Republicans alike—with a diverse array of new members coming on board every day. Current members include:

• American Petroleum Institute

• Laborers’ International Union of North America

• Michigan Building and Trades Council

• Michigan Chamber of Commerce

• Michigan Chemistry Council

• Michigan Manufacturers Assn

• Michigan Oil and Gas Association

• Michigan Petroleum Assn

• Michigan Propane Dealers

• Operating Engineers 324