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Neebish Island residents urge Chippewa County commissioners to press for later, more consistent ferry service
Summary
Multiple Neebish Island residents and property owners told the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners that limited ferry schedules impede emergency access, medical care and local economic activity and asked the board to keep pressing state and transit authorities for hourly runs between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Residents of Neebish Island told the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners on Monday that restricted ferry schedules are creating safety risks, economic losses and daily inconveniences for islanders and their families.
Phyllis Reed, president of the Newbridge Island Improvement Association, said the island lacks an evacuation plan and that poor cell service sometimes routes 911 calls to Canada, delaying emergency response. "It takes time off, and time is life," Reed said, recounting a recent fire on the island and urging the county to visit and help coordinate emergency planning.
Other speakers reinforced those concerns. Matt Keller, president of the Neebish Pioneer Association, said seasonal and multi-generation property owners pay substantial taxes and contribute to the local economy, and that later weekend ferry runs and more frequent service would make continued investment on the island more feasible. "We pay significant taxes," Keller said, asking the board to press for later ferries so owners can access properties and patronize local businesses.
Several callers described missed medical connections and everyday disruptions caused by the schedule. Sarah Karasinski, a third-generation island resident, said she could not get to her grandmother after a hip fracture because ferry times did not align with available flights. "I had to fly into Traverse, rent a car, drive north — that's for multiple family members who have had to do the exact same thing," Karasinski said.
Sarah Tyner, who said she represents family members who travel to the island, asked for an "extended, hourly consistent schedule" that runs from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round, citing dignity and life‑saving access for vulnerable residents.
Commissioners acknowledged the concerns but repeatedly noted the county's limited authority over the Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority (UPTA). Chair Martin and others explained that UPTA and similar entities are independent, and that the county's role is primarily to listen, advocate and, when possible, press the state for dedicated funding. Officials pointed to a placeholder line in a pending state transportation budget that currently contains $100 earmarked to restore nighttime runs to the island; a commissioner described that as an early step but cautioned that the placeholder must still be fully funded through the legislative process.
Several public commenters also urged better responsiveness from UPTA board members and asked that the county be careful in future appointments to boards that influence ferry service. Commissioners said they can influence appointments and correspond with Lansing but cannot directly manage independent transit agencies. The meeting record shows no formal action taken to change ferry service; commissioners instead described ongoing advocacy and intergovernmental channels that could affect schedules.
The board thanked residents for calm, detailed testimony and said it would continue to monitor state budget developments and maintain communication with UPTA and relevant state representatives. The board adjourned after completing its agenda.
