MACKINAC BRIDGE; ALLOW FARM TRACTOR S.B. 1014 (S-1) & 1078:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 1014 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Senate Bill 1078 (as reported without amendment)
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
Senate Bill 1014 (S-1) would amend the Mackinac Bridge Authority law to require the Authority to allow the driver of a farm tractor or implement of husbandry to pay a toll or charge and cross the bridge if the farm tractor or implement of husbandry met certain conditions, such as any restrictions set by the Authority related to the time of day, escort requirements, cleanliness, good repair, loading, weight, and width.
Senate Bill 1078 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code specify that the minimum and maximum speed limits on a limited access freeway and the prohibition against the operation of a farm tractor or other self-propelled farm implement on a limited access freeway would not apply to an implement of husbandry operating on a limited access freeway between the ingress and egress points on the limited access freeway closest to the Mackinac Bridge for the purpose of crossing the Bridge.
MCL 254.322 (S.B. 1014) Legislative Analyst: Tyler P. VanHuyse
257.627 & 257.679A (S.B. 1078)
FISCAL IMPACT
Senate Bill 1014 (S-1) would have a minor, positive fiscal impact on the Mackinac Bridge Authority from tolls and no fiscal impact on the State.
The bill likely would generate a small increase in toll revenue by allowing farm equipment to cross the Bridge. Currently, passenger vehicles are charged $2 per axle or $4, whichever one is higher. For all other vehicles, the toll is $5 per axle. For this analysis, it is assumed that farm equipment have two or more axles and would not be classified as passenger vehicles. This means that each tractor or farm implement that crossed could generate a minimum of $10 per crossing. It is not known to what extent the bill would increase the number of crossings, but any increase likely would be minimal. It also is not known how many of these vehicles currently are towed across the Bridge, as opposed to being allowed to cross under their own power.
Senate Bill 1078 likely would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 9-28-22 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.