A group of non-Indian gas stations in Michigan commissioned a study to bolster their opposition to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community land-into-trust application.

The Upper Peninsula Petroleum Association claims the tribe's proposed gas station at the site will cost jobs and tax revenue. The group has purchased a domain that highlights their concern -- www.kbictaxfree.com.

"If the land is in trust, the KBIC is not subject to the pre-paid gasoline sales tax, currently at 20.5 cents per gallon," the group says. "That would give the KBIC a significant price advantage over an estimated 35 other Marquette county retailers and could adversely affect their businesses."

Gas prices in Michigan's Upper Peninsula have been high, which the group blames on transportation costs. The issue is not examined in the study.

Get the Story:
Study: Tribal gas station would cost jobs, revenue (The Marquette Mining Journal 1/30)
Study claims KBIC gas station bad for area economy (Upper Michigan's Source 1/30)

Related Stories:
Michigan governor opposes KBIC land-into-trust application (1/18)