Copper Peak gets its opportunity

By STEVE NEWMAN

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Ironwood — Copper Peak came out a big winner in the state budget bill passed Friday morning by the Michigan Legislature.

A grant of $10 million was appropriated for renovation projects at Copper Peak and Pine Mountain. The grant will be awarded proportionately, according to Bob Jacquart, fundraising co-chair for Copper Peak. Since the Copper Peak renovation project is estimated at $15 million to $18 million and the Pine Mountain project is estimated at about $2 million, Copper Peak is expected to get the lion’s share of the funds.

Jacquart said Friday the funds are “a great thing” for the area. He said Copper Peak personnel have been preparing as though the funds would go through and will be ready to start the work in the spring after the Red Bull 400 race, scheduled for May 11. He said the group has blueprints, has selected a contractor and declared the project “shovel ready.”

While the grant does not cover all needed funding, Jacquart spoke confidently of the ability to raise funds to complete the work. The fundraising will have five different aspects:

—Raising funds from large sponsors, such as selling naming rights, with the assistance of a large sports marketing company that has worked on events such as Super Bowls.

—Appealing to large donors who could donate gifts of $50,000 and up.

—A campaign for medium donors capable of donating $5,000 to $50,000.

—A small donor campaign, such as being able to purchase one of the 20,000 artificial grass mats needed in the landing area.

—More grants.

Jacquart said the goal for the group is to be ready in September of 2020 to start hosting events on the ski flying jump. Incoming director of the public-private fundraising group InvestUP, Marty Fittante, said Copper Peak has been trying for the past four years to obtain funding.

In January of 2017, an attempt to fund Copper Peak through Senate Bill 523 failed, but did provide for a sports commission to oversee sports and recreation funding.

The sports commission will distribute grant funds to Copper Peak and Pine Mountain.