PHOTOS: Peters Stops in Alpena on Day 2 of 10th and Final Motorcycle Tour

ALPENA , MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) stopped at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary during his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan. Peters, a longtime supporter of the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary, highlighted the sanctuary’s importance to local tourism, the regional economy, Michigan’s maritime heritage, and Great Lakes preservation efforts. Peters also received a briefing on the sanctuary’s current research priorities and mapping efforts. “Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a critical tourism destination and an integral part of Michigan’s cultural landscape. So, I’m thrilled to be back in Alpena to get an update on the exciting work happening right here,” Peters said. “We must invest in special places like this so that researchers and scientists at Thunder Bay can continue their conservation and research efforts. That's why I've long worked to secure federal funding for the great work done here at Thunder Bay, and I’ll keep pushing to ensure they get the support they need.” To view photos from Senator Peters’ stop in Alpena, click HERE . Peters has led numerous efforts to protect and strengthen the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Throughout his time in Congress, Peters has secured robust federal funding to enhance the sanctuary’s Great Lakes restoration, mapping, and historical preservation efforts. Peters also led the bipartisan Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Assessment Act to recognize historically significant underwater areas in the Great Lakes as National Marine Sanctuaries, aiming to increase local tourism and boost Michigan’s economy. Located in Lake Huron, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was established in 2000 to protect one of the nation’s most historically significant collections of shipwrecks. In 2014, the sanctuary expanded from 448 to 4,300 square miles, making it the nation’s largest marine protected area focused on underwater cultural heritage sites. Within this new boundary, approximately 100 known shipwreck sites exist, while historic research indicates as many as 100 additional sites in the area remain undiscovered. Peters – an avid and longtime motorcycle rider – kicked off his “Thank you, Michigan” tour in Bay City. After Alpena, he will make stops in Marquette, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, and East Lansing. He will ride more than 1,000 miles across the state on this year’s tour – which is Peters’ 10 th and last official motorcycle tour. “I've always said the best way to travel across our state is on a motorcycle,” Peters said. “Representing Michigan in the U.S. Senate has been the absolute honor of my lifetime. So, this year’s tour is about saying thank you to all of the amazing people and communities I’ve been able to partner with during my career to help make Michigan an amazing place to work, live, and raise a family.” ###