Senate Bill 565, which contains funding for much-needed road and water infrastructure repairs, also included funds for local park projects across the state. SB 565 includes $20 million for the restoration and development of the Copper Peak ski jump facility in Gogebic County. The world-class facility will attract international ski competitions and provide sports-related tourism to the region. The ski jump is expected to generate $50 million for the region in visitor revenue over its first four years of competitive events.
“Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula legislators worked together and across the aisle to include funding to transform Copper Peak into a world-class destination for ski jumping competitions and training for Olympic-level athletes from the U.S. and around the world,” said State Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City. “We already have an international commitment to host ski competitions once upgrades are complete.”
State Rep. Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain) says legislative passage Thursday of legislation directing federal dollars toward improving Copper Peak will make the U.P. a global destination for ski jumping and have a positive impact across the region.
State Rep. Sara Cambensy (D-Marquette), called this a critical investment for the area and Michigan as a whole.
“This monumental funding to rebuild the historic Copper Peak ski flying jump is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for the entire state of Michigan. The economic growth that will come from this unprecedented investment is unlike anything U.P. legislators have been able to capture since building the Mackinac Bridge,” said Cambensy. “Bob Jacquart had a dream to bring international ski flying back to the United States and his hometown of Ironwood, and his consistent ask to the U.P. delegation of legislators has finally paid off. What a gift this appropriation is for every Michigander, but especially our Yoopers who share our ski jumping and flying heritage.”
“This plan moves our state and our region forward,” State Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) said. “I frequently hear from people who say Michigan needs to do more for road repairs from driveway to highway, and the state needs to do a better job providing people in rural areas with high-speed internet in today’s technological world. This plan is a commitment that acts on those concerns.”
Rep. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) says House passage Thursday of a bipartisan infrastructure package brings with it almost $250 million for broadband expansion in rural Michigan, adding broadband service can no longer be considered a luxury.
The funding measure has also garnered support from local organizations, including Jacquart, who serves as chairman of the Copper Peak Organizing Committee.
“We are thrilled that a portion of the funding for local and state parks and trails will help the U.P. become a global destination for competitive ski jumping,” Jacquart said. “Recently, the International Ski Federation selected Copper Peak to become the exclusive, year-round competition and training venue for Olympic-level skiers. Funding in the bill will help cover the cost of extensive renovations that the Copper Peak Ski jump must undergo to meet competition requirements.”
“During COVID-19, we saw many small businesses do more sales online. We saw remote learning and other things where the internet was a critical piece of everyday life,” Markkanen said. “It is imperative to get this technology to all corners of the state. Michigan will be stronger going forward because of it.”
Markkanen also touted a total of $712 million for continued clean water grant and loan program funding. The program, which has assisted with several projects in the western U.P., will work to protect public health, fix failing septic systems, test the viability of existing infrastructure and other needs.
McBroom says the U.P. needs the help to fix aging infrastructure.
“Communities throughout the U.P. are grappling with problems from aging water systems, including and especially old lead pipes,” said McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “The historic funding we approved today will help make transformational changes to these water systems and those throughout the state, benefitting residents now and in generations to come.”
SB 565 will now go to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for consideration.
“It’s not just safe, clean water,” McBroom said. “We’re leveraging this rare opportunity to invest federal funding to fix our roads, bridges and dams, as well as to update and upgrade state and local parks, and connect more rural residents to fast, reliable internet — all things that are vital to residents and to our economy, both now and in the future.”
Questions? Email press@copperpeak.com