Lansing, MichiganState Senator Ed McBroom announced the adoption of a fiscal year 2025 annual budget on Thursday that includes a number of important investments in the Upper Peninsula.
“This budget is the culmination of many months of work and negotiations,” said McBroom, a Republican from Wauseda County. “While I am disappointed with the majority’s prioritization of programs, the budget process was open to many of the efforts I have made for UP and to increase transparency, reduce debt and strengthen accountability in the state bureaucracy. Additionally, critical funding for births in western UP following the closure of Ontanagon Hospital and improvements to Munising Hospital are critical to the people and economy of UP.”
The Upper Peninsula-specific budget includes:
- $1.2 million to Ironwood Hospital to support obstetrics and gynecology services.
- $2 million to Munising Hospital for numerous renovations.
- $1 million in debt assistance for the Marquette Regional History Center.
- County Road 573, $1 million;
- $1 million to provide debt relief for the Pine Mountain Ski Jump at Veterans Park in Iron Mountain.
- $800,000 to continue the state’s “cold case” investigation and training program at Northern Michigan University.
- $500,000 to the Gladstone Senior Center;
- $400,000 to replace the track at Stevenson Sports Complex.
Additionally, disaster relief funds have been allocated to Marquette and Baraga counties to assist with flood damage not covered by federal funds.
“While being in the minority has reduced the level of support UP has received over the past two years, I am proud that the UP team was able to garner support from our colleagues on some very important hospital and infrastructure needs,” McBroom said. “During budget negotiations, we also received significant support for the Gogebic County Infrastructure Grant, which will see Highland Copper match the construction of a new copper mine that has already been approved. The House has already approved $50 million of this, and we expect the Senate to act soon.”
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