MARQUETTE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan lawmakers who represent the Upper Peninsula are putting their support behind an effort to bring a United States Air Force base back to Marquette County.

State Reps. Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton), Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), and Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) are backing the Marquette County Board of Commissioners after it voted to explore bringing a United States Air Force base back to the area.

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The region once housed K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, which closed in 1995. Currently, the Air Force continues to utilize Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (SAW) for training exercises, including large-scale joint exercises such as Northern Strike.

Prestin said the move is long overdue.

“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.

Its absence has been noticeable in Marquette County.

“It impacted Marquette County significantly when they left,” Board Chair Joe DeRocha told My UP Now. “It’s worth having a discussion to see if it’s worth bringing it back.”

Markkanen added that the economic impact would be a boon for the area.

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“An Air Force base in Marquette County would pay dividends for the region and the broader U.P.,” he said. “Securing a new U.P. base would open up even more possibilities for the U.P. to continue our already vital role in strengthening our national defense.”

In addition, Bohnak said, “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.”