The Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority (MSCA) met Friday to hear updates on Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 tunnel. The meeting was marked by the presence of two new members, who’ve shifted the MSCA away from a Republican majority.
Opponents to the Line 5 tunnel have called the MSCA a “rubber stamp” for Enbridge. But now, all three members are Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s appointees. Tunnel opponents are hopeful for a change in direction, who say the previous board skewed “pro-tunnel” and had "little interest" in oversight or transparency.
Andrew Doctoroff is a new member of the Authority. He said he wants to ensure the board’s oversight is not simply a “perfunctory box-checking role.”
“This mega-infrastructure project is extraordinarily complicated and has a huge impact on the health, welfare and safety of Michigan..." Doctoroff said. "Oversight has to be meaningful - it can't be faith based.”
After a presentation from the state’s hired tunnel expert, members questioned his bias, the state’s contract with Enbridge, and the process for approving proposals.
Sean McBrearty is with Oil and Water Don’t Mix. During public comment, he asked the MSCA to consider hearing from organizations besides Enbridge at their meetings. He said it’s a request the previous board ignored.
“I hope this board will take that request seriously," McBrearty said. "If they’re really interested in providing oversight, they should be hearing from independent experts, community organizations, and they ought to definitely be hearing from Michigan’s tribes.”
An Enbridge spokesperson said the company will continue to work with the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority to advance the tunnel project.
Enbridge is currently reviewing three tunnel contractor bids, but the tunnel still needs a federal permit before it can be built.
For the full meeting recording, visit the Michigan Department of Transportation YouTube channel.
