LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. John Damoose on Wednesday issued the following statement after the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy approved permits for the Great Lakes Tunnel Project, which is meant to replace the existing 73-year-old Line 5 pipeline located beneath the Straits of Mackinac:

“Starting back at square one wasn’t ideal, but I’m happy to once again see progress on getting this project that will significantly benefit Upper Peninsula families and provide energy security to the region moving forward.

“We’ve faced too many delays already. The tunnel was approved by the Legislature years ago with bipartisan support, and the repeated holdups have caused unnecessary concern for Michigan families and placed our environment at risk.

“This is a far safer alternative that protects Michigan’s one-of-a-kind natural resources — one that should be completed and operating by now.

“It’s time to stop dragging our feet and get this done.”

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