NEGAUNEE, MI-- Governor Rick Snyder announced on Friday an initiative to help Western Marquette County residents affected by the closure of the Empire Mine.
Project Empire consists of a response team of state agencies led by the Michigan Department of Talent that will bring technical assistance to local municipalities. Plans call for a community leadership committee with representatives from government, the business community, educators, and healthcare professionals to work with state agencies and experts to tap existing state and federal programs.
“The mining industry has been key to these communities for generations, and that’s something to be proud of, as iron ore from the Upper Peninsula built Michigan and built America,” Snyder said. “The closing of the Empire Mine is painful for many residents. Our work here will be to assist local leaders in helping families and the communities as a whole respond to arising problems, but also plot a path to a prosperous future.”
An Interdepartmental Collaboration Committee will include representatives from agencies including – but not limited to – the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the Talent Investment Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Transportation, Michigan State Police, the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“During this time of uncertainty and inevitable change bought on by the idling of the Empire Mine, Negaunee welcomes the additional assistance offered by Gov. Snyder and the state agencies, “said Negaunee Mayor Dawn Schuhknecht. “Partnering with the state and other local organizations, we hope to assist those families affected by the layoffs navigate through the different services available to them and our community as a whole.”
Additional details of Project Empire will be worked out in the weeks ahead.
