MURRAY D. VANWAGONER BLDG. - S.B. 58: FIRST ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 58 (as enrolled)

Sponsor: Senator Walter H. North

Committee: Government Operations


Date Completed: 2-22-99


RATIONALE


Murray D. VanWagoner (March 18, 1898-June 12, 1986) is a famous person in Michigan history. Mr. VanWagoner held the elected post of State Highway Commissioner from 1933 to 1940, after which he was elected Governor for 1941-42. He has been acclaimed for his efforts in establishing Michigan's first roadside parks and information centers, and for advocating the building of the Mackinac Bridge. Appointed to the Mackinac Bridge Authority when it was created, he served on the Authority for more than 30 years. It has been suggested that the State Transportation Department Building be named after Mr. VanWagoner.


CONTENT


The bill would amend Public Act 173 of 1968, which names certain State buildings, to provide that the State Transportation Department Building in the Lansing capitol complex would be named the Murray D. VanWagoner Building.


MCL 19.131


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

Murray D. VanWagoner is a well-respected public servant in Michigan history who had a long, distinguished career, particularly in transportation-related matters. It would be a fitting tribute to rename the State Transportation Department Building the Murray D. VanWagoner Building in his honor. Recently, two other buildings in the capitol complex were renamed in honor of former Michigan governors: The law building became the G. Mennen Williams Building, and the Olds Plaza Building was renamed the George W. Romney Building.


- Legislative Analyst: G. Towne


FISCAL IMPACT


The bill would have a minimal impact on the State depending on the cost of the designation. The cost of the Romney Building name sign was $3,472.11 and the address sign was $3,657.89. The Williams Building name sign cost $2,996.94, and the street level sign cost $1,094.86. The bill would have no fiscal impact on local government.


- Fiscal Analyst: B. Bowerman


A9900\s58a

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.