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The Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee will not approve funding that would support the Copper wood mine development in Gogebic County.
Last Week the Michigan Senate appropriations committee approved 247 million dollars in state subsidies toward projects with Dow Chemical, Detroit Diesel, and the University of Michigan. The approvals did not include a 50 million dollar subsidy for Highland Copper’s Copperwood Mine near the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The approved subsidy funds will come from the state’s strategic Outreach and Reserve fund.
Highland Copper has said the company plans to invest 425 million dollars into the project site, which will create 380 full-time jobs over 11 years. If the project begins to take off and produce, Highland Copper estimates the mine could make about 15 million dollars in local and state tax revenue over its lifespan.
Tom Grothwhol of Protect the Porkies, a community-based campaign, says the health of our majestic lands and pristine waters are indefinitely more valuable than copper shipped out of the country, and boom or bust jobs to renew a vicious cycle of short-term gain followed by long-term decline.
Those interested in learning more about the Copperwood mine or public opposition to the project can find more information below.
