MDOT - Mike Rowe, host of Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs," comes to northern Michigan on Friday, May 25

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Mike Rowe, host of Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs," comes to northern Michigan on Friday, May 25

Contact: Bob Felt, MDOT Office of Communications, 989-619-7963
Agency: Transportation

May 18, 2007 -- As the 2007 Memorial Day holiday weekend begins, Mike Rowe, host of the Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs" (and his crew) will hit the road to tour the Mackinac Bridge on May 25. The filming project will highlight the daunting work bridge maintenance crews perform each year on the structure. Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) officials announced the project is a unique opportunity to showcase the significant work done in Michigan on the landmark structure known as the "Mighty Mac."

"Our crews take an incredible amount of pride in what they do," said MBA Administrator Bob Sweeney. "I would describe our maintenance activities as daunting or difficult, as opposed to dirty. But, it takes a special person to meet the challenges of the job. Our crews are preserving the integrity of the bridge. They are the reason it will be here at least another 50 years."

The Discovery Channel program is expected to focus on a cable painting project above the Straits, and/or preventive maintenance inside one of the tower cells. Additionally, aerial shots will be necessary.

"A helicopter will be used to capture some unique angles of our crews at work," said MBA Board Chairman William Gnodtke. "However, it will be done in a safe and secure manner. Motorists will probably not even notice the filming project is going on as they cross the bridge."

MBA officials have ensured that the Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard, and other law enforcement officials have been properly notified of the planned event.

"One of the reasons for our announcement is to inform people in advance of the project that they have nothing to worry about. The safety and security of everyone remains a top priority for us," added MBA Chief Engineer Kim Nowack. "This opportunity will gain national exposure for our employees and will showcase the awesome work they do that often goes unnoticed."

1957-2007: The Mighty Mac - Linking Michigan's Peninsulas for 50 years