UP wind project opponents will get referendum on ballot

Opponents of a wind-energy project in the Upper Peninsula have submitted enough petition signatures to qualify for a referendum.

But a key issue is unsettled: when to hold the vote in L'Anse Township in Baraga County.

The township board says a special election in May would cost about $3,000. The next regular election might not come until fall 2020.

Township Clerk Brian Jentoft says he verified 410 signatures for a referendum that could overturn zoning changes for dozens of wind turbines, roughly 230 miles northwest of the Mackinac Bridge.

The area has some of the highest elevation in Michigan. Zoning changes to accommodate the project were approved by township officials.