MI HR0227

Memorializes Congress to reject the President's budget proposal to eliminate the search-and-rescue U.S. Coast Guard helicopter unit in Muskegon County.

Opposes restructuring of the Traverse City Air Station, citing concerns that reducing helicopters would compromise emergency response capabilities on Lake Michigan.

Notes that Lake Michigan has over 950,000 registered recreational vessels and an estimated 182,000 recreational boaters from multiple states operating on the lake annually.

Identifies the Muskegon County air facility as critical mid-lake accessibility, with the next closest stations located 115 miles away in Chicago or 113 miles away in Traverse City.

States the Coast Guard units also provide homeland security support located 250 miles from Sault Ste. Marie, Canada for national border protection.