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Neebish Island residents press Chippewa County commissioners for ferry service and call for EUPTA audit
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Summary
Multiple residents from Neebish Island urged the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners to secure more consistent ferry service and requested evaluation or a forensic audit of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority (EUPTA). The board noted the authority is not controlled by the county and tabled a separate rail-support resolution for language edits.
Several residents of Neebish Island used the public-comment period at the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners' May 15 meeting to press elected officials for improved ferry service and to call for scrutiny of the regional transit authority that oversees that service.
Phylis Reed, identified in the minutes as president of the Neebish Island Improvement Association, invited commissioners to visit the island and thanked them for listening. Lori Miller, described as "from Neebish Island," asked the board to evaluate members of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority (EUPTA). A resident who was not named in the minutes urged a forensic audit of EUPTA. Lyric Rissler spoke on behalf of Neebish Island residents seeking consistent ferry trips and service. Matt Keller, president of the Neebish Island Pioneer Association, asked for better representation to support island access. Sara Karasinski also voiced concerns about EUPTA and access to Neebish Island services. Sarah Tyner, identified as a Washington, D.C. area resident, asked the county to consider extended ferry service.
The minutes do not record a formal response, immediate commitment to an audit, or a plan of action from the board during the meeting. Chairman Jim Martin stated later in the meeting that the county board is not in charge of EUPTA and expressed hope that the State would find a way to provide funds for Neebish Island ferry services. Commissioner Justin Knepper noted to the board that EUPTA board members are not elected by citizens, and suggested Neebish Island residents bring concerns to the County Commission for visibility.
Why it matters: Neebish Island is accessible primarily by ferry; residents and local organizations told the board they need more reliable service and clearer governance. Calls for an audit of EUPTA, if acted on, would require county or state-level follow-up and could affect funding or oversight of regional transit operations.
The meeting minutes record the public comments in full but do not show any immediate board action or a commitment to commission an audit. Residents will need to seek follow-up with the administrator's office or state officials to pursue the requests recorded in the public-comment period.
Ending: The board proceeded to regular business after public comment; no vote or directive to pursue a forensic audit of EUPTA was recorded in the May 15 minutes.