IRON MOUNTAIN — A Wisconsin firm is exploring the idea of siting a waste-to-renewables project in the Upper Peninsula that would provide an alternative to traditional landfilling and waste disposal methods.

Dickinson County Board on Monday passed a resolution supporting PenWin Industries LLC as it pursues a project that would be closely tied to the region’s rail structure. Details of the plan by the Tomahawk, Wis.-based company were not discussed, but the resolution states the concept aligns with Michigan’s green energy initiatives.

Copies will be forwarded to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Upper Peninsula legislators, the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan Department of Environment,Great Lakes, and Energy.

The resolution states PenWin has committed to working with all U.P. counties to promote regional collaboration and ensure that economic and environmental benefits of the project are shared across the region. It also notes that preserving and enhancing rail infrastructure is a key to its success.

In other action, the board:

— Approved a proposal from the city of Norway to use $29,341 in remaining federal American Rescue Plan funds allocated by the county to fund infrastructure work. The funds come from the county’s $4.9 million ARP allocation, of which $1 million was redirected by the county to local municipalities — or $100,000 to each. ARP is a federal pandemic aid package signed by President Joe Biden in March 2021 and funds must be committed by the end of this year.

— Approved minutes from an Oct. 25 finance meeting at which $3,300 in spending was authorized to participate in a video that will promote the county for economic development. The project through Mountain Media House of Iron Mountain is in partnership with the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance.

— Heard Commissioner Joe Stevens suggest reaching out to the community to seek proper interment for unclaimed cremated remains now kept in a courthouse vault. The number is approaching 10.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.