PFC KENNETH COATES MEMORIAL INTERCHANGE
House Bill 4611 as reported from committee
Sponsor: Rep. Daire Rendon
1st Committee: Transportation
2nd Committee: Ways and Means
Complete to 9-3-19 (Enacted as Public Act 169 of 2019)
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4611 would amend the Memorial Highway Act to designate the highway interchange at highway I-75 and Cook Road as the “PFC Kenneth Coates Memorial Interchange.”
Proposed MCL 250.2089
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Private First Class Kenneth William Coates was born on December 5, 1947, and was a 1967 graduate of West Branch High School. He enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman in the 25th Infantry Division.
According to the website The Virtual Wall, PFC Kenneth W. Coates started his tour of duty on January 9, 1968, deploying to Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam. He was killed in action as a ground casualty on February 5, 1968. He was 20 years old. PFC Kenneth W. Coates was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Campaign medals.
Dedicating the highway interchange at I-75 and Cook Road in West Branch would recognize and honor his dedication, sacrifice, and service to his country, our state, and his community.
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:
Michigan Department of Transportation indicated a neutral position on the bill. (6-11-19)
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.