News Summary

Residents of Neebish Island, Michigan, are advocating for the restoration of ferry services that were cut last year. They argue that the limited ferry schedules severely affect their access to essential services and make them feel isolated. The Neebish Island Improvement Association is urging the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority to explore state funding for extended service hours. Despite concerns over costs, locals believe there are sufficient funds available to improve ferry operations and maintain community vitality.

Neebish Island, Michigan – Residents of Neebish Island are urging the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority (EUPTA) to restore ferry service that was cut last year, claiming that the reductions have significantly hampered their access to the mainland and essential services. The Neebish Islander III ferry, which cost $5.6 million, commenced operations in November 2022, but evening service has been limited, now concluding at 6 p.m. during the winter months from December to April.

These service cuts have led to growing concerns among residents, who feel increasingly isolated. Families are finding it difficult to visit one another, civic participation is declining, and employment commutes along with access to medical care have become problematic. Currently, evening ferry service is only available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with the last run ending at 7 p.m.

The Neebish Island Improvement Association is advocating for restored ferry services, calling on EUPTA to explore state funding opportunities for extended evening operations. They argue that this expansion is critical for maintaining the island’s community and vitality.

Neebish Island, known for its limited amenities—including no gas stations, grocery stores, schools, medical clinics, or churches—relies heavily on ferry service compared to other nearby islands. Cuts to the ferry service were influenced by U.S. Coast Guard regulations, which restrict crew work hours to a maximum of 12 hours within a 24-hour span. Additionally, an EUPTA assessment indicated that evening runs were not frequently utilized.

EUPTA’s executive director noted that restoring ferry service to the sparsely populated island may not represent a prudent allocation of public funds. Residents estimate that the financial burden to reinstate the necessary services would be around $200,000 annually, whereas EUPTA provides a higher estimate of over $400,000.

Despite these financial concerns, EUPTA reportedly holds over $6 million in cash reserves. This has prompted island residents to assert that sufficient funds exist to implement expanded ferry services. A 2023 Michigan State University report recommended changes to ferry ticket pricing, advocating that prices should better reflect the distance traveled. Neebish’s ticket costs were found to be disproportionately high compared to Drummond Island’s, where increasing ticket prices by $5 for tourists could potentially yield over $800,000 annually—funds that residents argue could support additional service for Neebish.

The operational costs for EUPTA rely heavily on fare income, which has not met expectations concerning the Neebish ferry. The demand for this service is impacted by the island’s smaller population and fluctuating tourist dynamics during the summer months.

State Senator John Damoose has expressed support for equitable access to services for the residents of Neebish, mirroring access enjoyed by those on the mainland. The diminished ferry schedule has raised alarm bells among islanders, with some attributing declining population numbers to increased transportation challenges. Concerns are also rife around potential declines in property values and a decrease in community engagement, should ferry accessibility remain limited.

The recruitment of qualified ferry crew members presents another significant challenge, given Neebish Island’s limited population, potentially complicating any efforts for service restoration, even if financial solutions can be secured. Residents assert the urgent need for extended evening ferry services to maintain community engagement and attract new residents and visitors alike.