S.B. 749: FIRST ANALYSIS - FATHER CUNNINGHAM FREEWAY

Senate Bill 749 (as passed by the Senate)

Date Completed: 11-3-97

RATIONALE

On May 26 this year one of Detroit's most recognized figures, Rev. William Cunningham, died seven months after being diagnosed with liver cancer. Fr. Cunningham, 67, was the co-founder and (until his cancer diagnosis) the executive director of Focus: Hope. Focus: Hope, started in 1968 after the 1967 Detroit riots, under Fr. Cunningham's direction grew from a small, volunteer organization into a nationally respected civil rights organization and job training program with an annual budget exceeding $70 million. Fr. Cunningham has been lauded by everyday citizens, politicians, religious leaders, and civic leaders for committing his life to improving the City of Detroit and the lives of its residents. It has been suggested that a portion of the recently renovated Davison Freeway, that runs near the Focus: Hope facility, should be named after Fr. Cunningham.

CONTENT

The bill would create a new Act to designate that part of the Davison freeway located in Detroit between Conant Street and I-96 as the "Father William Thomas Cunningham freeway".

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) would have to provide for the erection of suitable markers upon that part of the freeway indicating the name of the freeway.

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

Naming a portion of the Davison Freeway in Detroit for Fr. Cunningham would be an appropriate and fitting tribute to a man who has been widely praised for his lifelong efforts on behalf of the people and City of Detroit.

- Legislative Analyst: G. Towne

FISCAL IMPACT

The fiscal impact of this legislation is limited to the estimated costs of sign fabrication and installation. According to recent MDOT estimates, the cost to install two signs with letters six inches in height is approximately $2,000. This includes the costs of the signs, support posts, and installation. However, total costs vary based on the final selection of sign type, wording, letter size, and placement.

- Fiscal Analyst: P. AlderferA9798\S749A

This 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.