MACKINAC TRAIL S.B. 1074: FIRST ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 1074 (as passed by the Senate)
Sponsor: Senator Tom George
Committee: Transportation
Date Completed: 3-9-04
RATIONALE
In February 2004, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 241, which would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to name portions of the I-94 and US-131 highways the "Underground Railroad Memorial Highway". US-131, however, already is designated as the "Mackinac Trail" from the border between Michigan and Indiana to the Straits of Mackinac. It has been suggested that the "Mackinac Trail" designation should be repealed for the portion that would be affected by Senate Bill 241.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to delete a provision designating a portion of US-131 as the "Mackinac Trail". The affected portion begins at the border between Michigan and Indiana in St. Joseph County and extends north to the intersection with M-66 in Kalkaska County.
MCL 250.1017
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
A dual designation of the portion of the road in question could diminish the importance of each, and multiple signs could cause confusion for motorists. The bill would affect only the southern part of US-131; the northern part, from Kalkaska County to the Straits of Mackinac, would retain its "Mackinac Trail" designation.
Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Craig ThielAnalysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb1074/0304