More than 30 years after K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base closed its gates, Marquette County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to open discussions about returning a military presence to the Upper Peninsula.
The vote launched a formal process to explore whether the Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport could be recommissioned, in part, as a United States National Defense Air Force Base.
A Cold War Legacy Returns to the Table
The former base was established in 1955 to deter a potential Soviet invasion from the north. It operated until 1995, when it was decommissioned as part of post-Cold War military cuts. The closure devastated the local economy.
Today, the Air Force still uses the airport for large-scale training exercises such as Northern Strike. County officials believe the facility is underutilized and could support a permanent military mission.
"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," said State Rep. Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River.
Residents Fear Losing Homes
More than a dozen residents spoke against the resolution at the Tuesday meeting. Many expressed concern that a returning military base could displace housing and jobs in the community.
Commissioners pushed back on those fears.
"I don't want to see anybody lose their home. I think we should try to address their concerns. I think we should move a little slowly, but I'm confident that if the military comes back the way it was, it could be great for economic development," said Commissioner Fred Benzie.
Board Chair Joe Derocha told WLUC that the resolution is a "starting point" toward activities that would "vitalize" the community.
Language Tightened After Internal Debate
Not all commissioners were comfortable with the original draft. Vice-Chair Bill Nordeen objected to language authorizing county representatives to "take necessary action," calling it too broad.
"That's pretty broad. I mean, what does that mean? They're gonna go sign documents without us knowing?" Nordeen said.
Commissioners Dana LaLonde and Karl Numinen echoed those concerns. The final version, introduced by Commissioner Karen Alholm, narrowed the scope. It authorizes county representatives to "enter into discussions and obtain information to recommission SAW, in part, as a United States National Defense Air Force Base."
State Lawmakers Pledge Support
Three Upper Peninsula state representatives issued statements backing the resolution on Wednesday.
Karl Bohnak, R-Deerton, said the project would not be a simple restart of the old base.
"It's important to note that this wouldn't be K.I. Sawyer 2.0. This would be a unique facility that will have to be fully worked through with local and federal partners," Bohnak said.
Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, argued that a new base would "pay dividends for the region and the broader U.P."
County Administrator Duane Duray told WLUC that the county is "opening up conversations" with the Department of Defense. He said possible outcomes could range from expanded training operations to repurposing portions of the airport infrastructure for profit-centered military use.
The resolution does not commit Marquette County to any financial obligation. It simply authorizes the county to begin talking with federal defense officials about what a renewed partnership might look like.