Good Afternoon,
We hope you and your family are well. In an effort to improve communications, internet availability and access to educational opportunities, Aquila Resources began the process of researching entities who could assist us in constructing a communications tower in Lake Township. It was in June of 2019, when we first contacted representatives from Northern Michigan University LTE and their Educational Access Network.
One of our goals in developing the Back Forty Mine is to have a positive impact on our community. The NMU representatives exhibited one way to work towards our goal would be to improve the communications capability in Lake and Holmes Townships, along with helping out our near neighbors in Wisconsin too.
For years, Menominee County has been looking for ways to improve their emergency management system and 911 network. Due to county budgetary constraints, the improvement project was pushed back year after year until adequate financing became available.
Earlier this year, Menominee County hired Gunnerson Consulting to analyze the emergency management system. It was recommended, and agreed upon by the commissioners, to move the 911 Communications Network to a VHF simulcast system. However, there was still a lack of coverage available in Lake and Holmes Townships. Several options were presented to the Menominee County Board of Commissioners, but at a substantial cost, and with less coverage, than if the county elected to house their equipment on our proposed tower.
In an effort to assist the county now, we agreed to build the tower earlier than originally planned with no cost to the county. We were planning to construct the tower for operational communications on the mine site once construction began. Many will ask, what is in it for Aquila Resources? Well, we strive for Zero Harm when it comes to the safety of our employees, contractors and visitors. We do have employees who work and live in the project area. We want everyone, including our neighbors, to stay safe and be able to go home at the end of each day.
You may have heard of the “Golden Hour.” It is the period of time following a traumatic injury during which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical and surgical treatment will prevent death. The remoteness of the area, and the current lack of communications coverage, impact the first hour response time. We hope our efforts will assist first responders, who tirelessly volunteer their time helping others, for many years to come.
We are willing to work with the county administrator, the commissioners, and Gunnerson Consulting to address any concerns regarding the tower. Be assured the issues will be resolved and adopted into the lease agreement, which will guarantee the best possible coverage for our friends and neighbors in Lake and Holmes Townships.