H.B. 5851: FIRST ANALYSIS - PAUL B. HENRY FREEWAY

House Bill 5851 (as discharged)

Sponsor: Representative William Byl

Senate Committee: Transportation and Tourism

Date Completed: 6-22-98

RATIONALE

Construction is under way on a new freeway in western Michigan that will connect I-96 on the east to I-196 on the west through the southern portions of Kent and Ottawa Counties. The project is commonly referred to as the "south belt freeway", but has been officially designated as State route M-6. The late Congressman Paul B. Henry, from Grand Rapids, is credited with securing funding for a 1991 study of the highway project and was a staunch supporter of the proposal. Some people believe that the new freeway should be named after Paul Henry to recognize his early support for the project and his years of public service to the residents of west Michigan.

CONTENT

The bill would create a new act to require that the part of highway M-6 located within Kent and Ottawa Counties be known as the "Paul B. Henry Freeway".

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) would be required to provide for the erection, on the portion of M-6 described above, of suitable markers indicating the name of the highway.

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

Prior to his death in 1993, Paul B. Henry served with distinction in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate as well as on the State Board of Education, and then in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is remembered for championing issues of national concern during the 1990s, including environmental legislation aimed at tackling the country's air, water, and solid waste pollution problems as well as a bill that would have established a nationwide refund on beverage containers. Considering education to be key to the country's future, Henry authored the College Savings Bond program, supported accountability reforms in the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and introduced legislation to bring about reforms in major college athletic programs. Many credit Henry's dedication to the south belt freeway project with moving the proposal from a vision to reality. Naming the freeway after the former Congressman would be a fitting tribute to Henry, who supported the proposed freeway during his many years of service in the State and Federal governments where he represented the Grand Rapids area.

- Legislative Analyst: L. Arasim

FISCAL IMPACT

The fiscal impact of this bill would be limited to the costs to fabricate and install suitable designation markers. According to recent MDOT estimates, the cost of these markers is approximately $2,000. This includes the costs of the signs, support posts, and installation. However, total costs would vary based on the sign type, size, and location.

- Fiscal Analyst: P. Alderfer

H9798\S5851A

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.