UP Gazette

State legislators are expressing frustration following the Michigan Department of Corrections' decision to remove the sewer system from the former site of the Ojibway Correctional Facility in Marinesco.

Since the facility was closed in 2018, local and state officials have been looking at different options to make use of the site. However, removing the sewer system limits those options and will increase costs for anyone looking to make use of the site in the future.

“Despite its assurances to the contrary, the department has moved forward with its plan to remove the sewer ponds from the Ojibway Correctional Facility site without even considering changes to the system that could have addressed some of the department’s concerns,” Michigan state Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Norway) said in a press release. 

Michigan state Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Norway) | https://www.senatoredmcbroom.com

State Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) shared McBroom's frustration.

“The state should be taking all steps necessary to help this region rebuild and explore opportunities for replacement," Markkanen said. "Instead, the department is taking steps that will make the facility more difficult to repurpose."