LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Senate this week voted to approve legislation sponsored by Sen. John Damoose to strengthen Mackinac Island’s authority to regulate fees related to ferry service.
“I want to sincerely thank all of my Senate colleagues for recognizing the importance of this legislation and voting to advance it to the next step,” said Damoose, R-Harbor Springs. “This is an issue that is critically important to maintain one of Michigan’s premier tourism destinations, and a lack of action would be terrible for the Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island and St. Ignace communities and the workers who rely on a strong Northern Michigan tourism industry.”
Senate Bill 304 would allow the city of Mackinac Island to regulate all aspects of ferry service, including additional fees charged for services like parking, priority boarding and baggage. The bill needs approval from two-thirds of each chamber of the Legislature, and if signed by the governor, the proposal would be placed on the ballot during the next local election. In order to take effect, it must also be approved by a majority of Mackinac Island voters.
“Make no mistake, our entire region suffers if it becomes too expensive for families to travel to the Island,” Damoose said. “If we allow prices to rise unchecked, families will simply go somewhere else in the state or not come to Northern Michigan or the Eastern Upper Peninsula at all.”
Damoose said it is critical to strengthen the island’s right to regulate ferry prices, which have risen dramatically over the last year.
“Passing this bill took intense work and collaboration to get through the Senate,” Damoose said. “This was an interesting bill because any other city in Michigan could have just done this on their own, but Mackinac Island is the only city that does not have what’s known as ‘home rule.’
“Now we need the House to pass it and quickly get it to the governor’s desk. Then, the people of Mackinac Island can put it on the ballot and vote on it themselves. This is an incredibly time-sensitive matter, and I encourage my counterparts in the state House of Representatives to quickly pass this measure and give the island a voice on the issue.”
The Senate approved the bill with a 30-6 vote, and it will now go to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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