A long-planned tower which could improve communication coverage for emergency services is now under review in Leelanau Township.
Since 2022, the county and township have been working together to move forward with tower plans, with several major actions taken such as the township passing a resolution urging the county to assist with their coverage shortfall. The township also unanimously voted to commit $100,000 American Rescue Plan Act monies and instructed the supervisor to sign an intergovernmental agreement.
Matt Ansorge, county emergency management director, said the initiative for the communications tower was brought to the county by the township in order to meet their broadband and cellular coverage shortages in the area. In September 2021, a Leelanau County Broadband Inventory Survey found that Leelanau Township is the most underserved population in the county.
