Courtesy Photo U.S. Sen. Gary Peters dives near a shipwreck in the Thunder Bay. Peters has supported the law and assisted in acquiring funding for the Alpena area throughout his term.

ALPENA — During his time serving in the Senate, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters has supported the law and assisted in acquiring funding for the Alpena area.

Peters has played a role in gaining allocations for the Alpena County Regional Airport, for improvements at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, as well as for projects at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Alpena Community College.

The amount of money Peters has helped bring to Alpena since being elected in 2015 exceeds $100 million.

Late last month, Peters said he would not seek another six-year term in the Senate during the 2026 midterm election cycle. He said he never intended to be a career politician and is stepping away to spend more time with his family and enjoying many of his outdoor hobbies, including riding his motorcycle.

During his first term, Peters visited Northeast Michigan often. It was not uncommon for him to tour the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary museum or explore the shipwrecks in Thunder Bay. He also made frequent visits to ACC and businesses large and small.

Peters said Alpena, and all of the northeast region of the state, is unique, and he has always enjoyed his stops for a visit. He said he believes Alpena is set up for long-term success because of its natural resources and the pride the residents have for their city.

“Alpena is one of the most beautiful parts of the state and I love coming up there,” Peters said. “Alpena is a great community and has a great sense of community where people care and support one another. Alpena has a great quality of life where it is safe, schools offer a quality education, and that makes people want to live and work there. I have always been received well by the people in Alpena, and I always had a good time while I was there.”

Peters helped secure $1,750,000 in funding to support the construction of additional student housing at Alpena Community College. It will add 32 beds to the main campus in Alpena. Once completed, the project will increase the existing supply of on-campus student housing from 64 to 96 beds, alleviating an acute housing shortage that negatively impacts the college and the entire Alpena community.

The senator also helped secure $1.1 million to help ACC create lab spaces and related Career and Technical Education instructional programs for aerospace technology, nursing, and related health care programs; advanced manufacturing; and IT technicians to support greater broadband access across Northeast Michigan.

Don MacMaster, ACC president, said Peters was always aware of the college’s goals and ambitions and worked hard to help the school accomplish what it set out to do. He added that the senator also understands how important a secondary education is, especially in skilled trade fields, which ACC promotes heavily.

“We are grateful for the outstanding support shown to us over the years by Senator Gary Peters,” MacMaster said. “He has been on our campus numerous times and understands at a deep level what we’re trying to do, as well as the important role ACC plays as the primary provider of post-secondary higher educational opportunities for the people of NE Lower Michigan. Senator Peters has been integral in ACC receiving federal funding support for Oscoda campus improvements ($1.1 million), ACC student housing ($1.75 million), and pending FY25 funding to support ACC’s Second Utility Tech Climbing range ($750,000). Beyond funding, however, Senator Peters stands out for his reasoned, friendly, informed, authentic, and down-to-earth personality. He listens and retains information. We’ll miss him and thank him for his service to ACC, the Alpena community, the State of Michigan, and nationally. He’s been a good friend to ACC.”

Jeff Konczek, owner of the glass bottom boat and kayak tours of shipwrecks, said Peters’ dedication to the sanctuary, the Great Lakes, and the economy in Alpena has been strong since he was elected.

“Since first taking office, Sen. Peters has been a champion for the residents and businesses in Alpena,” he said. “His passion and dedication to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary are evident in his tireless work to advance the sanctuary’s mission to protect the Great Lakes and their rich history. He has worked to help make Northeast Michigan a world-class destination for visitors, research, and education.”

Although he has decided to not run again, Peters made it clear that he still has work to do and things he wants to be able to accomplish before his term is up. He said that includes projects and initiatives in the Alpena area.

“Basically, I still have two years to go and there is a lot of work to be done,” he said. “There are things I still want to do for the people of Michigan and the people in Northeast Michigan.”