Appropriations subcommittee hears dozens of LDSI requests; $50M Wakefield infrastructure ask sparks public opposition

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity heard more than two dozen legislative‑directed spending requests at a long public hearing that opened with members taking testimony despite the absence of a formal quorum.

The most contentious ask came at the end of the session when representatives of the Upper Peninsula delegation sought a $50 million infrastructure grant for Wakefield Township to upgrade roads, power and telecommunications and to make an industrial park development‑ready. Representative Dave Preston and Wakefield Township Supervisor Mandy Lake told the committee the funds would be administered by the township and used for public infrastructure — not to a mining company — and said upgrades would support forestry, timber and possible future mining‑related investment. Lake framed the request as a generational economic development opportunity for a region with declining population and limited year‑round access for heavy industry.

Public speakers at the hearing opposed using state dollars where they could enable the proposed Copperwood copper mine. Jane Fitkin of Citizens for a Safe and Clean Lake Superior said the mine would produce a large tailings impoundment near Lake Superior and that opponents have collected hundreds of thousands of petition signatures: "This request... has a sole foreign corporate beneficiary," Fitkin said, and urged the committee to reject public funding that would aid the project. Alexandra Leonard added that the tailings pond "would be visible from the Lake Of The Clouds overlook," a claim she and others used to emphasize potential risks to the Porcupine Mountains and regional tourism.

Alongside the Wakefield discussion, committee members heard a mix of community requests: arts institutions, social services, water and transportation projects, and rural broadband proposals.

Key requests and presentations included: - Chaldean Cultural Center: Mark Mukhtar, chair of the Chaldean Cultural Center, asked for legislative support tied to a larger $20 million renovation and relocation project. Mukhtar said the current modest museum draws about 3,000 visitors annually and that the new facility and a planned "genocide gallery" could "attract over a million visitors annually." He told the committee administrative costs are low and most funds would support construction.

- Grand Rapids Art Museum: Aaron Henges, donor engagement and government relations manager, requested $2,417,500 for three prioritized safety and operational repairs (replacement of buckling HVAC floor grates, an unrecoverable security system, and additional modernization). Henges said the museum produces an estimated $15 million in annual economic impact for the region.

- Allband Communications broadband match: Ron Siegel asked the committee to help meet a $4,237,816 matching requirement for a USDA Reconnect grant that would bring fiber to underserved counties. Siegel said half the match was secured through the Make It In Michigan competitiveness fund and that committee support (about $2.12 million) would avoid high interest financing for the cooperative.

- Michigan Research Institute: Jim Richter outlined a $15 million proposal to create a national logistics training center in partnership with the Michigan National Guard and federal agencies, describing a three‑phase plan and federal interest in follow‑on funding.

- United We Smile dental clinic (Traverse City): United Way leaders asked for $2.9 million to purchase and improve a dental clinic building that provides regional dental services and trains dental interns; presenters said the clinic has completed over 4,000 visits and serves veterans and underserved populations.

- Southeast Regional Force Main (Muskegon area): Local managers said construction is underway on a roughly 20‑mile force main that will convey wastewater to a Muskegon County treatment center and argued state support would help close a $70–75 million funding gap to unlock food‑processing and agricultural expansion.

Committee members repeatedly asked presenters whether requested dollars would be used for capital/construction versus administrative costs or loan payoffs; presenters generally emphasized capital uses, local matches, and that grants would be targeted to the projects described in committee materials.

What happens next: No formal votes or committee actions were recorded at the hearing. Members said they would review testimony and materials on the record as they deliberate appropriations during the budget process. Several presenters provided packets and follow‑up materials for staff review.

Highlights from testimony included Mark Mukhtar’s description of the Chaldean museum project’s regional ambitions and the Wakefield Township‑Copperwood exchange that drew multiple public speakers and petitions opposing state investment tied to mine infrastructure. The subcommittee recessed after the final public comment; members said they will take the requests under advisement as they work through the budget cycle.