McBroom to host natural resources forums
Area residents are invited to discuss natural resource policies in Michigan with state Rep. Ed McBroom at Aug. 20-21 town hall meetings in Iron Mountain and Escanaba, and a morning “meet and greet” in Menominee.
McBroom will be joined by Rep. Andrea LaFontaine, House Natural Resources Committee chair, at the events, along with Rep. Aric Nesbitt in Iron Mountain.
“These meetings are an excellent opportunity for people to participate in our state government process on issues that are an integral part of our region and economy,” said McBroom, R-Vulcan. “The natural resources committee has been discussing how Michigan can continue to improve outdoor recreational experiences for people, as well as how to use the state’s funding most effectively and efficiently. I appreciate Chair LaFontaine coming here for our local input.”
On Tuesday, Aug. 20, the Iron Mountain town hall meeting is at Bay College West’s Fornetti Hall in Room 104 at 7 p.m. Central Time. The college is located at 2801 North US 2.
On Wednesday, Aug. 21, the lawmakers will start the day at Schloegel’s Restaurant, 2720 10th St. in Menominee, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Central Time for an informal public “Meet and Greet.”
The Wednesday afternoon town hall meeting in Escanaba is at Bay de Noc Community College, Joseph Heirmann Building, 2001 N. Lincoln Road, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
A topic the committee is especially interested in hearing about is the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, which provides state funds from mineral development revenue for land acquisition and development projects for recreational opportunities or environmental protection.
The 30-year-old trust fund was in the spotlight earlier this year when the Legislature discussed an emergency harbor dredging program and it was determined money in the MNRTF constitutionally could only be used for development and acquisition, not maintenance projects.
In addition, Rep. LaFontaine and the lawmakers also will attend several tours and local business meetings while in the Upper Peninsula, including Verso Paper Corp.’s Quinnesec Mill and the Menominee Marina.
People unable to attend a town hall meeting can share their thoughts by calling McBroom’s Lansing office toll free at 1-855-DIST-108 or by email at edmcbroom@house.mi.gov<mailto:edmcbroom@house.mi.gov>.