Wakefield Township sets goals for 2018-19

WAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP – The Wakefield Township Board recently adopted goals for the years 2018-19. “The Board has been adopting annual goals since 2008 and many have been reached,” said Township Supervisor John Cox. “ In additional to our regular governmental functions, these goals help drive our township to improve together, and to determine where taxpayer funds will be spent.” The township goals for 2018-19 include: –Continue to provide support to all current and future businesses in Wakefield Township. –Concentrate on opening the ATV trail near Old U.S. 2. –Devote township funds and work as partners with the Gogebic County Road Commission to pave portions of North County Road 519 and Indianhead Mountain Road. Chip seal about 1 mile of Old U.S. 2 to preserve existing blacktop. –Work with Xcel Energy and Northern Natural Gas in the construction of a gas pumping station on East M-28. –Work with Gogebic Range.Net and Merit Inc. to bring high speed internet to the township in early summer 2018. –Continue work on developing a master plan for the township with the emphasis on citizen involvement and brevity of the plan. –Upgrade electronic office equipment. –Replace doors and insulate more areas of the township hall. Replace some furniture. –Replace road signs entering the township. Projects Township officials have tackled many projects to improve life in the area. Some of the projects include an annual spring cleanup and attention to blighted properties. Cox said the Gogebic County Road Commission spent a designated $25,000 for graveling of Jackspur Road, Willing Road and a large portion of Old M-28 last year. Plans call for more improvements in 2018 this summer in cooperation with the Road Commission. Cox said the township is in “good financial shape” with a fund balance of $547,093 – at least two years of operation in an emergency, and the township has no debt. Economic development Cox said there are many signs of key economic development in the township. About 21 acres of land has been purchased by the Lac Vieux Desert community for a casino-hotel-convention center project. “The gaming industry is a highly-regulated industry and the process for getting approval may take longer than originally planned,” said Cox. “Various factors are causing this delay including the change of administrations at the federal level and the tedious process of approvals for placing the land in trust for gaming. The township is anxious to move forward on this project, but we understand that the process is designed to protect all interests, especially the citizens and taxpayers.” Highland Copper Company is a Canadian exploration company focused on exploring and developing copper projects in the Upper Peninsula, said Cox. “Significant progress has been made this year in conducting a feasibility study and securing investors who are moving this project forward. The higher price of copper and an improving economy are resulting in positive developments in this project. They have moved their offices to Wakefield and look to begin mining in the next couple of years. The mine is accessed in Wakefield Township, but their properties lie in both Ironwood and Wakefield townships.” Township, sweet township Cox said there are many reasons to relocate one’s home or business to Wakefield Township. “Wakefield Township remains committed to spending our resources to promote and assist businesses who wish to locate in our area,” said Cox. For more information, visit wakefieldtownship.com or call Cox at 906- 224-3721.