Line 5 Tunnel Project

The environmental review is a major step toward a permitting decision on the controversial proposal to build a tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac. The last day for the public to comment on it is June 30.

U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) privately met with local officials in Alpena on Friday to discuss the impact of March’s historic ice storm. After the meeting, she spoke with WCMU about federal funding for ice storm recovery, the ongoing protest against the Line 5 pipeline tunnel project and the future of Gotion's EV battery plant in Big Rapids.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reviewed the environmental effects of constructing a tunnel, leaving the existing lines as they are or covering the dual lines with gravel and rock.

Political and business leaders have been congregating on Mackinac Island this week to discuss state policy, but this afternoon about 150 people showed up to protest the Line 5 tunnel, ahead of Govenor Gretchen Whitmer's address at the policy conference.

The clock will start on public comment at the end of May, but with half as much time — 30 days instead of 60.

The federal review of the Line 5 tunnel project will be sped up through new emergency procedures under an executive order from President Donald Trump.

The review process for the Line 5 tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac may be fast-tracked under an emergency order from the Trump administration.

A panel of judges in Lansing heard arguments Tuesday morning concerning a state permit that’s necessary for the proposed Line 5 tunnel in the Mackinac Straits. WCMU's All Things Considered host David Nicholas spoke with reporter Teresa Homsi about the appeal.

The Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority recently welcomed Republican, Ruth Hepfer as their newest member on the three-person board.

The permit would have expired before tunnel construction could start in 2026.