GUNNERY SGT. DANIEL PRICE MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
Senate Bill 1132 (S-1) as reported from House committee
Sponsor: Sen. Arlan Meekhof
House Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Senate Committee: Transportation
Complete to 12-17-18 (Enacted as Public Act 475 of 2018)
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill 1132 would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of highway I-196 in the city of Holland as the “Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Price Memorial Highway.”
The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.
Proposed MCL 250.1029a
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Born in Zeeland to Karl and Ruth Price, Daniel J. Price was a native of Holland. He was home-schooled, grew up and worked on a farm, loved the outdoors, and was very active in the local 4-H Club. According to the Marine Raider Foundation, the American Fallen Soldiers Project, and committee testimony, Gunnery Sergeant Daniel J. Price enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2003. He began his career as a Reconnaissance Marine with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California and joined the United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) in January 2008. He deployed in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant during a tour to Iraq.
In 2012, while completing a mission to secure a stronghold in Badghis province, Afghanistan, Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Price moved across open terrain through gunfire to rescue Afghan commandos that were wounded and pinned down. He was able to eliminate one enemy shooter before he scaled the compound wall, dropping a grenade in the building’s chimney to destroy insurgents inside. He courageously continued the attack on enemy forces until he was mortally wounded. Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Price died of his injuries on July 20, 2012. He was 27 years old.
During his 10 years in the Marines, Daniel J. Price deployed for three tours to Iraq and three tours to Afghanistan. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star in 2014 and earned the Bronze Star with combat V, two Purple Hearts, three Combat Action Ribbons and three Good Conduct Medals. Designating a portion of Highway I-196 would be an appropriate way to honor his always forward, always faithful commitment, his courage, and his sacrifice to the citizens of Michigan.
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.
POSITIONS:
The Michigan Department of Transportation is neutral on the bill. (12-11-18)
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.