Residents press Chippewa County commissioners for regular Neebish Island ferry service; commissioners cite limited authority

Dozens of Neebish Island residents and property owners urged the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners on May 20, 2025, to press for more consistent ferry service and to exercise caution when appointing members to the Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority board (UPTA).

Residents said limited ferry hours and poor coordination with flights and health care threaten the island’s year-round accessibility and economic sustainability. “If monies were suddenly to be available, I would ask you to continue to apply pressure so that they can be dedicated to Neebish Island,” said Sarah Karasinski, a third‑generation Neebish Island property owner, describing missed medical appointments and travel challenges.

Why it matters: islanders said reliable, extended service — speakers proposed hourly runs between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. — matters for emergency access, health care, and local commerce. Several speakers also complained that UPTA board members have been unresponsive and requested the county be careful in future appointments.

What speakers told commissioners: Phyllis Reed, president of the Newbridge Island Improvement Association, described a recent on‑island fire, limited cell service that can route 911 calls to Canada, and islanders’ work with local emergency agencies to create an evacuation plan. Matt Keller, president of the Neebish Pioneer Association, and other property owners emphasized that many are seasonal but pay substantial property taxes and contribute to the local economy when they visit.

Commissioners’ response and limits of authority: Commissioners acknowledged the concerns but cautioned that UPTA is not directly controlled by Chippewa County. Commissioner Chambers (chair) said the county “is generally a pass through for money” to UPTA and noted that the board is an independent entity that does not answer to the county in the same way that departments do.

State budget signal: County staff reported a line‑item placeholder of $100 in the state transportation budget “specifically to restore nighttime runs to Neebish Island.” Commissioners said a placeholder is a preliminary entry and does not itself fund service, but that it signals a legislative interest that could translate to full funding later in the budget process.

Requests and next steps: Resident speakers urged commissioners to continue advocacy in Lansing and to press for clear conditions on any state funding. Commissioners said they would continue to raise the issue with state representatives and that county staff and local stakeholders are already communicating with UPTA and state officials.

Context and background: Public comment on ferry service dominated the meeting’s public‑comment period. Speakers used examples of medical emergencies, missed flights, and lost local spending to illustrate the community impact. Commissioners and staff described ongoing conversations with UPTA and state transportation officials but emphasized that any operational decisions for ferry service are in the authority of UPTA and subject to state funding and matching requirements.

Ending: Commissioners thanked speakers for professional, fact‑based testimony and said they would continue to monitor the funding and policy developments in Lansing and to pass community concerns to the appropriate agencies.