Letter Template

 LETTER TEMPLATE:  

Dear County Commissioners, 

<INSERT OPTIONAL PERSONAL OPENING STATEMENT(s) HERE>

 I<We> oppose the plan of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA) to construct a heavy industrial rocket launch site on Lake Superior’s coastal habitat in Powell Township, at Granot Loma, just north of Marquette for the following reasons:

1. The proposed industrial site will be built on wetlands in a pristine wilderness area, home to vulnerable wildlife.
2. Rocket launches have a high risk of catastrophic explosion which would pollute Lake Superior, the surrounding environment, and endanger human life as well.
3. Each launch would require evacuation of nearby homes, water recreation routes, and, potentially, thoroughfares as well.
4. The site is quite close to several other various popular outdoor recreation areas which would be adversely impacted.
5. By its pattern of concealment and lack of transparency, MAMA has shown little respect for our community.
6.  And a recent nationally published report in The New Yorker citing data in the February 2021 IQM Research Institute's "Michigan Space Launch Report" shows that, contrary to MAMA’s representations, this spaceport plan is neither economically viable nor sustainable, would result in negligible economic benefit to Michigan, and would certainly not create a significant number of desirable jobs in Marquette County.

Intensive industrial rezoning of Lake Superior’s shoreline will permanently change the unique character of Powell Township, Marquette County, and our Lake Superior coastline, and the quality of life which they offer. These places are worth protecting and preserving. This proposed spaceport will damage that quality of life and open the door to more industrialization.

In terms of economic growth, our freshwater coast is already attracting jobseekers, and others seeking relief from climate change, all factors which will continue to foster sustainable economic growth, without destructive industrialization. 

I<We> respectfully ask you to advocate for your constituents in Marquette County and Powell Township, by withdrawing your prior support for this launch plan. Please speak out against it now and shine the light on MAMA’s misrepresentations and complete lack of transparency.

<INSERT OPTIONAL PERSONAL CLOSING STATEMENT(s) HERE>

Please publicly note my letter of opposition to the spaceport proposal and to any associated proposals for zoning changes. Please provide copies to fellow board/commission/committee members and post online with the board/commission/committee website minutes documents.         

Sincerely,

<INSERT NAME>