Mackinac Island could regulate ferry operations that carry people to and from the popular tourist destination under a bill signed Wednesday by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The new law would allow the island to assume more authority over fares, baggage handling fees and parking rates on ferry routes. "Mackinac Island is Michigan's gem, and ferry service to get there should be accessible and affordable," Whitmer said in a statement. "Tariffs and the war overseas are already making things more expensive for Michiganders. They shouldn't have to face additional costs just to enjoy one of our state's most beautiful places. Let's keep working together to lower costs for Michiganders and keep Mackinac Island accessible to both its residents and the 1.2 million people who visit it every year." The law is a response to Florida-based Hoffman Marine assuming control over the two remaining Mackinac ferry operations, Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry and Arnold Transit Company. Tourism organizations and local businesses say the de-facto monopoly has allowed the company to jack up fees and surcharges on customers. The city has filed a federal lawsuit.