CHIEF ED SWITALSKI MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
Senate Bill 543 as reported from committee w/o amendment
Sponsor: Sen. Margaret E. O'Brien
House Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Senate Committee: Transportation
Complete to 1-17-18 (Enacted as Public Act 19 of 2018)
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill 543 would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of highway I-94 between exit 80 and mile marker 86 in Kalamazoo County as the “Chief Ed Switalski Memorial Highway.”
Proposed MCL 250.1019a
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
According to information from the Senate Fiscal Agency, Ed Switalski served as the fire chief of Comstock Township Fire and Rescue for four years before his death on June 14, 2017, at the age of 55. Fire Chief Switalski was struck and killed by a vehicle while he was standing near a fire truck stopped on the shoulder of I-94, after responding to a crash. To honor his sacrifice and service to his community, it has been suggested that a portion of highway I-94 should be named for Chief Switalski.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Section 2 of the Michigan Memorial Highway Act indicates that the state transportation department shall provide for the erection of suitable markers indicating the name of the highway only “when sufficient private contributions are received to completely cover the cost of erecting and maintaining those markers.” As a result, the bill has no state or local fiscal impact.
POSITION:
The Michigan Department of Transportation has no position on the bill. (1-16-18)
Fiscal Analyst: William E. Hamilton
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.