Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. – More than 250 supporters of restoring fair and equitable ferry service to Neebish Island in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have signed a letter that was delivered today to state and local elected officials, including the Luce and Chippewa County Boards of Commissioners, Soo Township Board of Trustees, State Rep. Parker Fairbairn, and State Sen. John Damoose.

The letter was also sent to the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority (EUPTA), which reduced evening ferry service to Neebish Island over the objections of island residents and now refuses to consider restoring full service for this vital connection between the island and the mainland.

In May 2024, EUPTA eliminated ferry service to Neebish Island after 6 p.m. on weekdays and after 8 p.m. on weekends, leaving island residents without access to the mainland during the evening hours. This is causing tremendous hardship for island residents and limiting the viability of the island’s economic future.

“I stand with Neebish Island residents who deserve better ferry service to ensure they can access employment, education, healthcare, worship, military, community activities, local businesses and family on the mainland,” the letter notes, while also highlighting key reasons why ferry service should be restored to the island:

• All three islands (Drummond, Sugar and Neebish) should have access to ferry services in the evening hours, even if it means cross-subsidization of the costs related to operating the three services.
• The absence of evening hours and non-emergency “Specials” (trips on demand for a fee of $150.) leaves islanders without service for 12.5-15 hours per day.
• The 6 p.m. curfew prevents island residents from participating in the community and limits their access to basic services and activities on the mainland, including health care, local events and educational opportunities.
• The limited ferry schedule is already having a negative impact on the economic viability of Neebish Island. It is discouraging younger, working families and prospective retirees from buying property. The schedule is negatively affecting businesses and discouraging future business growth.

Neebish Island residents have also shared their stories and concerns about the reduced ferry schedule in a series of videos, which can be found on Facebook here, here, here and here.

A copy of the letter to state and local officials is available here.