A project expected to bring high-speed internet service to approximately 2,000 homes and businesses on Sugar and Neebish islands received unanimous support from the Sault Ste. Marie City Commissioners during its August 3rd meeting.
Commissioners approved a temporary construction easement for Spectrum Mid-America LLC, allowing the company to bore beneath the St. Marys River and extend its fiber-optic network to the islands.
The approximately $18 million project will include a 2,000-foot underwater bore and nearly 200 miles of new fiber infrastructure. Spectrum plans to offer gigabit internet, television, home phone and mobile services.
“This under-river bore will allow us to bring our fiber-optic services to Sugar Island and then, in a second crossing, to Neebish Island,” said Marilyn Passmore, Spectrum’s state director of government affairs. “It will have a long-lasting impact.”
The project is supported by a Michigan Office of High-Speed Internet grant and federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. Representatives said it will improve access to telehealth, education and economic opportunities.
Sugar Island Township Supervisor Mark Eitrem called the project a “game changer.”
“We share the same ZIP code as Sault Ste. Marie, but we surely don’t share in the benefits,” Eitrem said. “No kid should suffer because of their ZIP code. This is one step in closing that gap.”
Commissioners also reviewed the economic impact of two recent tourism events, which generated a combined community impact of nearly $1.1 million.
A walleye tournament attracted 185 boats and 487 participants. Direct spending was estimated at $612,600 to $641,800, with a total economic impact of $919,000 to $963,000.
The Hell to Paradise veterans motorcycle rally drew about 425 participants. Direct spending was estimated at $107,000 to $112,000, creating a total economic impact of $160,000 to $168,000.
“Tourism is economic development, and it’s nice to see the numbers associated with that,” Mayor Gerrie said.
Commissioners also approved two contract amendments for traffic signal improvements at Easterday Avenue and Meridian Street. The project is about 18 months behind schedule because of additional archaeological and historic preservation requirements. The amendments bring the total design contract to $73,890.45.
A land acquisition request connected to the Ashmun Creek Trail project was also authorized. The city will seek a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to purchase property for a trailhead with water and sewer access.
