State Representative Gina Johnsen (R-Portland) today urged residents of Lake, Montcalm, and Newaygo counties to be aware of a proposed ITC transmission line project and share their views while routes are still being drawn.

ITC has proposed a new 345 kilovolt line running about 159 miles from the Copperton substation in Midland County to the Ludington substation in Mason County. ITC’s preliminary project area includes parts of Lake, Montcalm, and Newaygo counties. ITC began meeting with local officials in March 2026 and is now holding community sessions. It plans landowner open houses in spring 2027 and public meetings in fall 2027. ITC would then apply to the Michigan Public Service Commission, which has one year to review the application and must approve a final route before construction can begin.

ITC is holding community sessions through October 22 and is taking written feedback through November 5. The remaining sessions closest to these counties run from noon to 7 p.m.:

• Wednesday, October 14: Idlewild Historic and Cultural Center, 7025 S. Broadway St., Idlewild
• Thursday, October 15: The Peaks Event Center, 11515 Northland Dr., Big Rapids
• Monday, October 19: Hope Hall, 601 N. Evergreen Dr., White Cloud
• Tuesday, October 20: Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, 4734 S. Campus Ct., Fremont

Rep. Johnsen encouraged landowners to attend a session, review the route map, and ask questions about routing, construction, and compensation. She asked them to submit feedback to ITC before November 5 and keep copies of every notice they receive. She also wants property rights respected, harm to farmland limited, and Michigan-specific cost figures made public.

“Families in Lake, Montcalm and Newaygo counties deserve straight answers before decisions are made about their land. I expect ITC to be open, to be fair, and to listen. If you are not getting answers, please call or email my office.”

For more information and to submit written comment: www.mifuturegrid.com/copperton-projects