10TH MOUNTAIN DIV. MEM. HWY. S.B. 624: FIRST ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 624 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Laura M. Toy
Committee: Transportation
Date Completed: 11-9-05
RATIONALE
The 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, which specialized in mountain climbing and skiing, was established during World War II and was instrumental in defeating the German army in the Apennine Mountains during that war. The Division was disbanded after World War II and officially reactivated in 1985 to serve in a broader capacity in missions all over the world, including operations in the Middle East and Africa.
Under the Michigan Memorial Highway Act, approximately two dozen sections of Michigan highway are dedicated to veterans of foreign and domestic wars. It has been suggested that a portion of highway in Wayne County be dedicated to the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate US-24 in Wayne County the "10th Mountain Division Memorial Highway".
Proposed MCL 250.1080
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
In 1945, the 10th Mountain Division carried out a series of successful attacks against the Germans in the Apennine Mountains and the Po River Valley during the final phase of World War II in Italy. After destroying five elite German divisions, the 10th Mountain Division captured the Alpine foothill towns of Riva and Tarbole. Organized resistance in Italy ended several days later. Since 1985, the Division has been involved in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, relief efforts for Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Operations Restore Hope and Continue Hope in Somalia, Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, Operation Joint Guard in Bosnia, and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
A small group of surviving members of the original Division lives in Wayne County today, and naming a portion of road for them would be a fitting acknowledgement of their accomplishments and a sign of gratitude for their service to the country.
Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government. Section 2 of the Act provides that the State Transportation Department shall provide for the erection and maintenance of suitable markers only when sufficient private contributions have been received to pay for the cost of erecting and maintaining the markers.
Fiscal Analyst: Bill BowermanAnalysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb624/0506