A unanimous vote opens the door to military return at K.I. Sawyer
The Marquette County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to begin exploring the possibility of reestablishing a U.S. Air Force base at the site of the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, which closed in 1995.
The resolution authorizes county representatives to enter into discussions with defense officials about recommissioning the airport, in whole or in part, as a United States National Defense Air Force Base.
"This was a starting point and a discussion on how Marquette County can move forward in its efforts to vitalize the community," said Board Chair Joe Derocha.
Residents raise housing concerns
More than a dozen residents spoke out against the resolution at the Tuesday meeting. Many expressed fears that a military return could threaten local housing availability.
Commissioners pushed back on those concerns. They said the resolution is only an initial step and that the county would not allow local housing to be displaced.
State lawmakers applaud the move
Several Upper Peninsula state representatives issued statements supporting the resolution on Wednesday.
Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River) said the region holds strategic value for national defense.
"The Upper Peninsula hasn't had an active military base in decades, but defense experts in our state and nationally are realizing the strategic importance of the Superior region," Prestin said. "I applaud the Marquette County Commission for recognizing this and pursuing the restoration of a military mission to the region."
Rep. Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton) said the new facility would not simply replicate the old base.
"Marquette Sawyer is more than equipped to bring this sort of large-scale investment to the U.P.," Bohnak said. "Our community still remembers the economic boon that came with a fully functional Air Force Base, and I'm proud to stand with Marquette County as we begin to explore restoring long-term local Air Force operations."
The airport today
The Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (SAW), located near Gwinn just south of Marquette, sits on a portion of the former base property. The county owns the facility, which serves both commercial and general aviation.
The Air Force already uses the airport for training exercises, including the Northern Strike exercise. The resolution notes the site has room for both military and civilian aviation activities and describes the current usage as underutilized.
County Administrator Duane DuRay said he believes the military is interested in expanding its presence.
"We brought out the resolution to further develop the concept of opening up conversations with parties, stakeholders that are interested in utilizing Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport for various exercises, and we feel pretty confident that the military is willing and interested to further develop some activities at Marquette Sawyer Regional," DuRay said.
What happens next
The resolution does not commit the county to any specific timeline or financial obligation. It simply authorizes officials to begin talks with defense personnel and local stakeholders about what a renewed military mission might look like.
The board also approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters for employees working the fixed base operations at the airport during the same Tuesday meeting.