On Wednesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill that grants the voters of the City of Mackinac Island the opportunity to amend their charter and allow the city to regulate all aspects of ferry service to and from the island.
Since 2024, both major ferry services have been owned by one parent company. Now, Mackinac Island voters have the opportunity to vote on a change to the city charter that would grant the City of Mackinac Island the authority to regulate ferry prices and all ancillary fees associated with travel, such as baggage, parking, and early boarding options.
“Mackinac Island is Michigan’s gem, and ferry service to get there should be accessible and affordable,” said Whitmer. “I’m proud to sign this bill that empowers the people of Mackinac Island to make decisions about their economy. Tariffs and the war overseas are already making things more expensive for Michiganders. They shouldn’t have to face additional costs just to enjoy one of our state’s most beautiful places. Let’s keep working together to lower costs for Michiganders and keep Mackinac Island accessible to both its residents and the 1.2 million people who visit it every year.”
Senate Bill 304, sponsored by state Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), authorizes an amendment to Local Act 437 of 1899 to grant the City of Mackinac Island the authority to regulate all aspects of ferry service to and from the island, including extraneous fees. Because the city of Mackinac Island is a special charter city, this change will require majority approval from Mackinac Island voters before taking effect. Mackinac Island supports nearly 5,000 jobs and welcomes an estimated 1.2 million visitors each year.
The bill comes after testimony from residents and visitors that the total cost of passage to Mackinac Island has increased from $34 to $51 after the companies raised ancillary fees for parking, extra baggage, and bike transport. While two separate ferry companies exist, they were brought under a mutual parent company in 2024. The new law would give the city power to vote on being able monitor these prices and make ferry services more affordable. The law specifies that this power would not infringe on authorities that other cities, villages, or townships may hold over ferry services and associated costs.
Since 2024, both major ferry services have been owned by one parent company. Now, Mackinac Island voters have the opportunity to vote on a change to the city charter that would grant the City of Mackinac Island the authority to regulate ferry prices and all ancillary fees associated with travel, such as baggage, parking, and early boarding options.
“Mackinac Island is Michigan’s gem, and ferry service to get there should be accessible and affordable,” said Whitmer. “I’m proud to sign this bill that empowers the people of Mackinac Island to make decisions about their economy. Tariffs and the war overseas are already making things more expensive for Michiganders. They shouldn’t have to face additional costs just to enjoy one of our state’s most beautiful places. Let’s keep working together to lower costs for Michiganders and keep Mackinac Island accessible to both its residents and the 1.2 million people who visit it every year.”
Senate Bill 304, sponsored by state Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), authorizes an amendment to Local Act 437 of 1899 to grant the City of Mackinac Island the authority to regulate all aspects of ferry service to and from the island, including extraneous fees. Because the city of Mackinac Island is a special charter city, this change will require majority approval from Mackinac Island voters before taking effect. Mackinac Island supports nearly 5,000 jobs and welcomes an estimated 1.2 million visitors each year.
The bill comes after testimony from residents and visitors that the total cost of passage to Mackinac Island has increased from $34 to $51 after the companies raised ancillary fees for parking, extra baggage, and bike transport. While two separate ferry companies exist, they were brought under a mutual parent company in 2024. The new law would give the city power to vote on being able monitor these prices and make ferry services more affordable. The law specifies that this power would not infringe on authorities that other cities, villages, or townships may hold over ferry services and associated costs.
