MPSC Commences Investigation Into Possible Termination of Service by

Champion's Auto Ferry, Inc. Between Harsens Island and Algonac

Contact: Judy Palnau, 517-284-8300
Agency: Michigan Public Service Commission
May 14, 2015 - The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today commenced an
investigation into the notice of Champion's Auto Ferry, Inc.'s Champion's) intention to suspend,
discontinue or terminate ferry transportation services between Harsens Island and Algonac for the
general public sometime after March 5, 2016.
On March 18, the Commission received a letter from David Bryson, president and CEO of
Champion's, in which he indicated that intention.
Today's order directs Bryson and Champion's to file in this docket within 60 days a detailed plan for
the letter's stated intent.
The Commission also directed Bryson, Champion's or any other affiliated person not to sell, assign
or encumber any asset of Champion's unless a request in writing is made to the Commission and
approval is received.
In addition, Bryson, Champion's and any other affiliated person or entity may not acquire any new
debt for which Champion's may be liable unless a request in writing is made to the Commission and
prior approval is received. Champion's may continue to pay all current liabilities, including payroll,
but may not distribute any dividends unless a request in writing is made to the Commission and prior
approval is received.
Champion's must also publish a notice of investigation and opportunity to comment in a newspaper
of general circulation serving Harsens Island and Algonac by June 1 and to display the notice in a
manner that is visible to the public on the company's docks on both sides of the river channel.
The MPSC's Motor Carrier Division staff shall file in this docket within 90 days a list of all documents,
information, records and additional items it deems necessary to conduct the investigation. A
prehearing conference will be conducted by an administrative law judge on July 15 at 11 a.m. at
7109 W. Saginaw, Lansing, Mich.
Because Governor Rick Snyder's Executive Order 2015-10 transfers authority pursuant to the
Carriers by Water Act from the MPSC to the Department of State Police, effective May 18, the Motor
Carrier Division will open a paper docket for this proceeding. All future filings, correspondence and
public comments should be sent to the Motor Carrier Division, Michigan State Police, 333 S. Grand
Ave., P.O. Box 30634, Lansing, MI 48909-0634 and reference Case No. T-1867.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Case No. T-1867
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