Appropriations Requests for

• Cosponsoring legislators' names (if applicable):
• Physical address of legislatively directed spending item recipient and the intended location of the project or activity:
  5019 W. Airport Drive, Kincheloe, MI. 49788
• The recipient's employer identification number:
  383009238
• Requested amount of the legislatively directed spending item:
  $250,000.00
• What is the purpose and how does the legislatively directed spending item provide a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money?
  Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) and Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) respectfully request your support for critical enhancement to CIU’s commercial air service and winter operational readiness: the acquisition of a new aircraft deicing unit. CIU provides safe, reliable daily year-round commercial service to Detroit and Minneapolis, serving over 50,000 passengers annually and anchoring the region’s essential air connectivity. Between November and April, every departing aircraft must be decided prior to departure-regardless of weather conditions-to ensure safe operations. Currently, CIU’s commercial air carrier has one deicer unit on site that is exclusive to their operation. In the event of mechanical failure, CIU faces the significant risk of complete flight cancellations, potentially for extended periods due to delays in receiving replacement parts-historically, repairs have taken weeks, during which all flights would be canceled. A deicing unit owned and operated by CIU staff would eliminate this single point of failure, increase winter operational resilience, and allow CIU to accommodate larger charter aircraft (such as Boeing 737-size or larger) that cannot be reliably supported today due to current deicing equipment capacity limitations. Investment: Deicing Unit $250,000 This investment will directly improve: • Flight reliability and traveler confidence • Business and workforce connectivity to and from the region • Air freight continuity for time-sensitive deliveries (medications, equipment, supplies) • Economic development by enabling winter charter service and expanded airline opportunities • Critical infrastructure support, including charter travel for contractors supporting projects like the Soo Locks Modernization Project • Future Department of Defense Flight Activity 2. NEED STATEMENT – REGIONAL IMPORTANCE CIU is essential transportation asset for Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) and surrounding communities. The airport supports: • Daily commercial flights to major hub airports • Overnight air freight services each weekday • Workforce and contractor mobility for regional industrial and infrastructure activity • Residents traveling for healthcare, education, emergencies, and family needs However, winter operations create unique demands. Between November and April, aircraft must be deiced prior to departure. Deicing is not optional-it is required for safe flight operations. At present, CIU is dependent on a deicing unit held by the commercial carrier that is exclusive to their operation. If that equipment becomes unavailable due to mechanical issues, CIU’s commercial operations and flight schedule can be halted entirely. In previous instances, replacement parts have taken weeks to obtain, resulting in prolonged cancellations. This creates major risks to passengers and regional travelers, a reliability issue that damages confidence in the airport, and a threat to the continuity of overnight air freight, which supports hospitals, businesses, and residents. This proposal’s purpose is to enhance winter reliability and expand CIU’s capacity to serve larger commercial and charter aircraft by acquiring a new, airport-owned deicer unit operated by CIU staff. Procuring and deploying a larger-capacity, modern deicer unit capable of safely and efficiently deicing aircraft in the Boeing 737-class and above, as well as supporting the airport’s existing carrier operations and freight activities. Expected outcomes and performance measures include: Improved winter flight reliability – reducing cancellations due to deicer downtime and faster recovery when commercial carrier equipment is unavailable Increased Operational Resilience – airport-controlled deicing capability eliminates single-point-of-failure risk, and CIU staff trained for consistent operational readiness Expanded Aircraft Capacity – ability to accommodate larger charter aircraft in winter months, and improve competitiveness for new airline service opportunities Economic and Community Benefits – improved business travel and workforce access, greater confidence in regional air service, and reduced disruptions to freight deliveries supporting hospitals and industries 7. CONCLUSION Chippewa County International Airport is a lifeline for the Eastern Upper Peninsula and the broader region. Every winter season, CIU’s ability to provide reliable flights and air freight depends on safe deicing operations. CIU’s current reliance on a single carrier-owned deicer unit creates an unacceptable vulnerability: if the unit fails, commercial flights and freight operations can be cancelled for weeks. A new deicing unit, owned and operated by CIU, will: Safeguard the continuity of daily commercial service Protect air freight reliability Enable winter charter service Enhance economic development potential Strengthen the region’s resilience and confidence in air connectivity We propose support for this investment in safe, resilient transportation infrastructure and long-term economic vitality of Northern Michigan. ORGANIZATION CONTACT INFORMATION Chris Olson, President Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation 5019 W. Airport Dr Kincheloe, MI 49788 chrisolson@chippewacountyedc.com (906) 495-5631
• Has the legislatively directed spending item previously received or been awarded any of the following types of funding in the past 5 years?
• If so, how?
• Estimated time frame for completion of the legislatively directed spending item project:
  4Q 2026
• Has the nonprofit corporation continuously operated in this state for the preceding 36 months?
  Yes
• Has the nonprofit corporation had a physical office in this state for not less than the preceding 12 consecutive months?
  Yes
• Does the nonprofit corporation have a board of directors?
  Yes
• List all of the officers and active members on the board of directors:
  Don McLean Jeff Hagan Brien Hanna Tony Haller Richard Timmer Rich Brawley Gary McDowell James Parker Tim Ellis

Certification By Sponsoring Legislator