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Western Upper Peninsula businesses and communities are urging the state for assistance following a poor start to winter tourism. Yesterday the Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce and Explore Western U.P. published a release stating that the current El Nino winter has severely affected the number of tourists visiting the region given the dry conditions and limited snowfall to start winter.
Winter tourism for some businesses accounts for nearly 85 percent of their annual revenue. In December 43 businesses in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties reported combined revenue losses adding up to 3.1 million dollars. And if snowfall does not come soon, those businesses may expect 3.8 million dollars in revenue lost in January. Likening the loss to the region similar to a traditional natural disaster as a hurricane without the physical property damage.
These regions were also impacted this past spring and early summer when Upper Peninsula counties experienced spring thaw flooding. Some estimates of the damage accounted for in Gogebic County added up to 7 million dollars alone. Although local and state leaders sought FEMA funding to repair damages, requests were denied in the fall. Some local agencies have been able to source some financial relief since, but it will not make up for the total damage experienced by the region.
Lake Gogebic Chamber and Explore Western UP have formally submitted requests for assistance from the state for state or federal contingency funds that may be available. Additionally, they have reached out to Michigan State Representatives and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and are awaiting a response. Those interested in learning more about the challenges western Upper Peninsula businesses are facing at the start of 2024 can find a full copy of the press release from the Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce and Explore Western U.P. here.
