Latest news with #MackinacBridge
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New economic impact study for Mackinac Bridge shows big results for state, local communities
The Mackinac Bridge contributes nearly $200 million each year to the state's economy, as travelers flock to and across the iconic landmark. The Mackinac Bridge, connecting Michigan's Lower and Upper peninsulas, is a primary method of transportation for millions of residents and tourists. According to the results of an economic impact study recently released by the Mackinac Bridge Authority, the bridge makes $193 million each year and supports 1,449 jobs. "We've known for decades that the bridge's presence and the connection it creates for both peninsulas means that it is a focal point for tourism," said MDOT North Region Communications Representative James Lake. The Michigan-based company Public Sector Consultants performed the study over the course of 2024 using surveys, interviews and economic analysis. The study found that for every $1 in tolls paid at the bridge, $7.27 was generated in spending in Michigan. An economic impact of $161.6 million alone was concentrated in the Straits area of Mackinac, Emmet and Cheboygan counties. In 2024, over 4.5 million vehicles crossed "The Mighty Mac." More: Ice-related Mackinac Bridge closures lead to supply chain issues in U.P. Although the bridge is most often seen as a simple means of transportation from one peninsula to the other, and offers a critical shipping link for goods and services, almost half of the people surveyed in the study said the views from the bridge were one of their primary reasons for making the crossing. "Anybody that crosses the bridge knows what breathtaking views they are, so we're really not surprised that the views of the straits are such a noteworthy factor in the survey results," said Lake. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our coverage More: Thousands take part in 2024 Mackinac Bridge Walk The study also examined the impact of the Annual Bridge Walk on Labor Day. It is the only day of the year when pedestrians are allowed to cross the bridge on foot. In 2024, around 33,000 people participated in the walk, which brought in an estimated $2.5 million in spending for the surrounding counties and a total of $3 million statewide. Nearly two-thirds of area businesses surveyed said they were positively impacted by the event. Participants who made an overnight trip spent an average of $224.93 on lodging, food and beverages, shopping, transportation, and other recreation. The study also found that participants who made the outing a day trip spent an average of $44.05. Public Sector Consultants determined that nearly two million visitors in 2024 could be attributed to the Mackinac Bridge as an attraction by itself. One-third of those visitors came from outside of Michigan, mainly from Midwest states as well as Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. 'We've always known that the operation of the Mackinac Bridge, as well as special events including the Annual Bridge Walk, have had a significant impact on the local communities and beyond,' said Mackinac Bridge Authority Vice Chairman William Milliken in a press release. 'We're so pleased to see this study confirms and validates the positive impact it has for businesses and local governments.' To view the full economic impact study, visit — Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@ This article originally appeared on The Sault News: New economic impact study for Mackinac Bridge in 2024 shows big results for Michigan, local cities
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Michigan offers several license plate choices. Many drivers keep things basic
Michigan has added new license plate styles in recent years, bringing back throwback plates from the 1960s — and letting Michiganders celebrate their favorite colleges. Despite the variety of options, the most popular license plate among Michiganders remains the "Pure Michigan plate," with 794,971 plates issued in 2024, according to the Secretary of State's office — outselling the other three state-themed options combined. The plate, originally introduced in 2013, is Michigan's standard license plate. Specialty plates typically cost more to place on a vehicle. There are about 8.6 million vehicles registered in Michigan, the Department of Transportation said. Here's a breakdown of each license plate in Michigan and their costs: The Mackinac Bridge plate showcases one of Michigan's most recognized landmarks. The bridge is featured in the center of the plate, with a yellow sunset creating a silhouette. Drivers requested 200,996 Mackinac bridge plates in 2024. The Water-Winter Wonderland plate allows Michigan drivers to celebrate the state's seasons. Drivers requested 348,964 plates in 2024. First issued in 1965, and re-issued at the beginning of 2021, it has a maize-and-blue design, similar to University of Michigan's colors. The Water Wonderland plate, originally issued in 1954, celebrates Michigan's rich heritage of tourism, lakes and waterways. The plate with the green-and white-design draws comparisons to Michigan State University's colors. Drivers requested 149,511 of these plates in 2024. The specialty plates cost an additional $5. The new throwback plates already had brought in more than $6 million in additional revenue for the state by mid-2024. In addition to the fee for a new plate, and the additional fee for one of the specialty plates, there is a $30 fee to request a new personalized plate, or a $15 fee to renew a personalized plate. The state offers options for special-cause plates. They cost $35 each, plus other fees, with $25 going to the organization. There are 15 different university plates available, 30 military or veterans plates and six for special organizations. Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@ Lansing State Journal reporter Matt Mencarini contributed reporting. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'Pure Michigan' is state's most popular license plate, officials say
CBS News
04-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Smoke from Canada wildfires surrounds Michigan's Mackinac Bridge
Steel tariffs jump up; Santa Ono loses bid for University of Florida job; and more top stories Steel tariffs jump up; Santa Ono loses bid for University of Florida job; and more top stories Steel tariffs jump up; Santa Ono loses bid for University of Florida job; and more top stories Drivers traveling over Michigan's Mackinac Bridge on Wednesday may experience a haze. However, officials say it is not fog but smoke. In a social media post, bridge officials say the smoke is coming from wildfires in Canada. Over 33,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes in three Canadian provinces. Officials have declared a state of emergency in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where crews and military forces were battling this week to try to contain dozens of out-of-control fires. Mackinac Bridge Authority In Michigan, air quality advisories were issued last week across the state in response to the smoke. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) said conditions would reach "unhealthy for sensitive groups" and that there was "a possibility that hourly levels could reach the unhealthy range for a short period of time." Additionally, a red flag warning was issued in Western Upper Michigan on Monday, alerting residents of potential fire weather conditions. Canada's wildfire season typically begins in April and lasts until late September, with most activity occurring in June and July. In recent years, however, due to warmer weather and drier conditions, it has started as early as February. They've also impacted air quality in other states, including Wisconsin and Minnesota.
CBS News
30-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
A Mackinac Bridge official died in 2010. It took 15 years to lay him to rest
A Michigan man who had a key role in building one of the longest bridges in the United States was buried 15 years after his death, after a funeral home near the iconic structure surprised the public by saying it still had his ashes. Larry Rubin was laid to rest Wednesday in Petoskey, 40 miles from the Mackinac Bridge, which connects Michigan's two peninsulas. For decades, Rubin was the senior staff member at the Mackinac Bridge Authority, which manages the bridge, a 5-mile span over the Straits of Mackinac that is considered the third-longest suspension bridge in the U.S. It opened in 1957. When the bridge was built, "he had an important role because the Authority needed someone to carry out their decisions. He served with excellence," Barbara Brown, a former board member, said Friday. Brown said she was "just shocked" when she saw Rubin's name listed in the St. Ignace newspaper. A funeral home was informing the public that it had many unclaimed cremains. His family apparently didn't pick them up after he died at age 97 in 2010. Val Meyerson of Temple B'nai Israel in Petoskey was familiar with the Jewish section of Greenwood Cemetery and aware that Rubin's first wife, Olga, was buried there in 1990. His name was already on the headstone in anticipation of eventual death. Meyerson said friends from the Bridge Authority helped pay for Rubin's interment. About two dozen people attended a graveside service led by a rabbi. "We all took turns filling in the grave, which was quite an honor," Brown said. "To have been neglected and forgotten for so long — it was moving."
Washington Post
30-05-2025
- General
- Washington Post
A Michigan bridge official died in 2010. It took 15 years to lay him to rest
A Michigan man who had a key role in building one of the longest bridges in the United States has been buried 15 years after his death after a funeral home near the iconic structure surprised the public by saying it still had his ashes. Larry Rubin was laid to rest Wednesday in Petoskey, 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the Mackinac Bridge , which connects Michigan's two peninsulas.
