SGT. FIRST CLASS CATHCART MEM. HWY                                                           S.B. 169:

                                                                                              ANALYSIS AS ENACTED

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill 169 (as enacted)                                                       PUBLIC ACT 51 of 2019

Sponsor:  Senator Kevin Daley

Senate Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

House Committee: Transportation

                            Ways and Means

 

Date Completed:  3-20-20

 

RATIONALE

 

After graduating from Bay City Central High School in 2001, Michael A. Cathcart enlisted in the Army as a Fire Support Specialist.  He completed Army Basic Combat and Individual Training and reported to the 101st Airborne Division, where he served for five years. He then volunteered for Special Forces in 2007 and was assigned for two years to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, as senior engineer sergeant at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. On November 14, 2014, Sergeant 1st Class Cathcart suffered fatal injuries during a dismounted combat operation in the Kunduz Province of Afghanistan. To honor his sacrifice and service, it was suggested that a segment of Highway M-15 be named after Sergeant Cathcart.

 

CONTENT

 

The bill amended the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of M-15 beginning at the intersection of M-15 and Cass Avenue Road in Portsmouth Charter Township and extending north to the intersection of M-15 and Ridge Road in Bay City as the "Army Sergeant First Class Michael Cathcart Memorial Highway".

 

The bill took effect on December 26, 2019.

 

Proposed MCL 250.1084

 

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

Sergeant Michael A. Cathcart exemplified bravery and heroism during his service and was highly decorated. His decorations included three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart Medal, and four Army Commendation Medals. Aside from his decorations and service, he is remembered by family and friends as a kind, courageous, and diligent young man. Naming a portion of Highway M-15 near his hometown is a fitting way to commemorate his legacy.

 

                                                                              Legislative Analyst:  Tyler VanHuyse

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

The bill will have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

 

                                                                                   Fiscal Analyst:  Michael Siracuse

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.