Our U.P., Our Future Coalition Celebrates Copperwood Project

The future of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is shaped by the people who live, work and build businesses here.

That spirit was on display when members of the Our U.P., Our Future coalition came together in Ironwood to celebrate $50 million in state funding for infrastructure improvements to County Road 519 that will help pave the way for the Copperwood Project. The coalition is made up of more than 140 community members, elected officials, business owners and labor representatives from every county in the Upper Peninsula, demonstrating broad support for the project.

“When I think about the Copperwood Project, I think about it as almost like a lifeline. We’ve experienced a lot of loss in our area. I see Copperwood as an opportunity for us to rebuild, restructure and regrow.” said Kim Corcoran, Ironwood Mayor.

The Copperwood Project is expected to bring approximately $425 million in capital investment and 380 jobs to the region. Improvements to County Road 519 will also support businesses, industry and residents beyond the mine project. Together, these investments represent an opportunity to strengthen the infrastructure and economic foundation of the Western U.P., all while respecting Michigan’s strict environmental regulations.

“I think about the community members. Those people who have lived here and who have made this community home for their lifetime,” said Invest UP CEO Marty Fittante. “And I think about their kids who will now have an opportunity to stay or to come back and that’s why this project is so important because at the end of the day, it’s about community and what makes community is family and people.”