TROOPER LARRY FORREIDER MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

House Bill 5673 as reported from committee w/o amendment

Sponsor:  Rep. Sue Allor

Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Complete to 3-14-18                                                               (Enacted as Public Act 218 of 2018)

SUMMARY:

House Bill 5673 would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of highway US-23 in Alpena County beginning at the intersection with Hamilton Road and extending north to the border between Alpena and Presque Isle Counties as the “Trooper Larry Forreider Memorial Highway.”

Proposed MCL 250.1004b

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

According to committee testimony and the Michigan State Police Fallen Trooper Memorial, on December 5, 1974 as Trooper Forreider worked the midnight shift with his partner, he had cause to stop a vehicle for defective tail lights. As he approached the driver’s side, his partner advised him that he saw a gun in the car. All occupants were ordered out of the vehicle. As the passenger occupants were being searched, two gunshots rang out from the driver’s side of the car. Trooper Forreider fell backwards, mortally wounded by the driver. He died on US-23 as a result of his injuries. He was the thirtieth Michigan State Trooper to die in the line of duty.

Dedicating a portion of highway US-23 to Trooper Larry Forreider would be an appropriate way to honor his life and his dedication to service through excellence, integrity, and courtesy.

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 has no position on the bill. (3-13-18)

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                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.