NEEBISH ISLAND — Neebish Island Residents are applauding progress toward restoring evening ferry hours as state and local officials consider a plan to add a second shift to the island’s ferry service.
According to a Sept. 17 news release, after months of advocacy, State Sen. John Damoose has brokered negotiations on a proposal that would expand service into the evening.
The plan still requires funding, and residents are urging state lawmakers to include support for the added operational costs in final budget talks.
“The elimination of evening ferry service has been awful for island residents and made participating in normal life on the mainland incredibly difficult,” said Phylis Reed, president of the Neebish Island Improvement Association. “Sen. Damoose visited the island this summer and saw first-hand the challenges with our ferry schedule, and we greatly appreciate his support in bringing all sides to the table to find a way to bring essential transportation service back to Neebish Island. Residents are glad to see our collective advocacy has yielded some positive movement toward a solution.”
The Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority provides ferry service to the island. In May 2024, the agency cut the schedule, creating a 7 p.m. curfew for residents in summer and 6 p.m. in winter.
Since then, islanders have organized a vocal campaign, attending board meetings and raising awareness on social media about the difficulties the cuts have caused, from making doctor appointments to joining community events.
Seasonal resident Scott Mullins said Damoose’s leadership has brought EUPTA to the table
“We are working in good faith on a solution that will bring a more normal sense of life back to Neebish Island,” Mullins said.
He noted that while no permanent solution is finalized, Damoose and state Rep. Parker Fairbairn have pledged their support for additional operations funding through the state budget process.
“While we know our leaders in Lansing are focused on a deal for state transportation funding, we hope they keep Neebish Island in their minds during their budget negotiations,” Mullins said.