Mackinac Island To Get New Plows Next Year
Federal Funding To Replace Aging Plows

Two new snowplows will be heading to Mackinac Island next winter. The new plows will replace the 14-year-old and 18-year-old snowplows that the Mackinac Island State Park Commission now uses to clear the Mackinac Island airport and city and state roads on the Island.

The new vehicles will be purchased with $225,000 awarded in the 2006 federal transportation appropriations bill, approved by the Senate and House of Representatives Friday, November 18.

U.S. Representative Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) and Joe Knollenberg (R-Bloomfield Township), who chairs the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, worked on the legislation.

"Mackinac Island is exposed to the harsh elements of Michigan's winters the same way as inland cities, but not necessarily with the same access to county snow removal resources for their airport," Rep. Stupak said. "In order for those who rely on the airport to get to and from the Island to the mainland for any reason, especially when unexpected emergencies arise, these snow plows are the only way to ensure planes can arrive and depart safely."

The Mackinac Island airport is a critical health and transportation link to the mainland in the winter when ferry service to the Island is suspended, said Maryor Margaret Doud. Clear roads are also essential for the operation of emergency service vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances.

Dan Cook, Mackinac Island State Park manager, said the park plows all paved roads to keep them passable for emergency vehicles.

“Funding to purchase these two snow plowtrucks could not come at a better time,” said Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Phil Porter. “Our current vehicles are 14 and 18 years old and badly in need of replacement.”