Richardson looks forward to panel appointment

ONTONAGON — Ontonagon native JR Richardson has commented on his appointment from Governor Rick Snyder to the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority. The panel will oversee the construction of an oil pipeline tunnel in the straits of Mackinac.

Richardson said he is “looking forward to my recent appointment to the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority. I will miss the (Natural Resource Commission) and all the devoted partners working together for the good of Michigan’s resources, but plan on bringing the same transparency and openness to work with partners in my new appointment. I am proud to represent the U.P. and the state of Michigan on this authority.”

JR will be one of three members of the authority which was established under legislation approved last week and signed by the governor.

Richardson is a long-time member of the Natural Resource Commission, has served as chairman and was vice chairman of that body prior to the appointment to the authority.

He is vice president of the PM Power Group of White Pine and was recently named 2018 outstanding conservationist by the Upper Peninsula Sportsman Alliance. He holds a bachelors degree from Michigan Tech. He will serve a 6 year term on the board.

—Jan Tucker