VETERANS MEMORIAL BRIDGE S.B. 1179 (S-2): FIRST ANALYSIS






Senate Bill 1179 (Substitute S-2 as passed by the Senate)
Sponsor: Senator Wayne Kuipers
Committee: Transportation


Date Completed: 5-7-04

RATIONALE

A plaque on the South Channel Bridge in the City of Grand Haven dedicates the Bridge to World War II veterans from the City. Representatives of the local American Legion post approached the Grand Haven City Council about renaming the Bridge the "Veterans Memorial Bridge" to honor all veterans from the tri-cities area (Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg). The city, however, has no authority to change the bridge's name because US-31 is under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Transportation. It has been suggested, therefore, that the name of the bridge be changed in State statute.

CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate as the "Veterans Memorial Bridge" the bridge on US-31 in Ottawa County, located in the City of Grand Haven between Jackson Street and the M-104 exit and known locally as the "South Channel Bridge".


Proposed MCL 250.1074

ARGUMENTS (Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)

Supporting Argument The American Legion would like to rededicate the Grand Haven bridge in a special ceremony on Memorial Day 2004 to honor area residents who have served in the armed forces, not just those who served in World War II. The new name would remind thousands of drivers of the contributions made by veterans of all wars, who served their nation at great sacrifice to themselves.
Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval

FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.


Fiscal Analyst: Craig Thiel

Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb1179/0304