MACKINAC BRIDGE AUTHORITY H.B. 5339 (H-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 5339 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Tom Casperson
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) law to do the following:
-- Specify that the MBA is within the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
-- Eliminate a provision allowing the Governor to remove an MBA board member.
-- Prohibit MBA funds from being commingled with any other money, and require the requisition of the MBA chairperson or another authorized officer or agent for expenditures.
-- Require MDOT to provide the MBA with personnel to perform its powers, duties, and functions.
-- Authorize the board to use the services of MDOT or other State departments, or contract for various services.
-- Authorize the board to employ legal and financial services that it deemed necessary to consummate the financing of the Bridge and the issuance and sale of bonds.
-- Require the MDOT Director to serve as the appointing authority for the MBA's executive secretary.
The bill is tie-barred to House Bill 5333 and Senate Bills 829 and 830. House Bill 5333 (H-1) would amend Public Act 214 of 1952, which authorized the MBA to acquire a bridge connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, to repeal a section related to preliminary investigations into the feasibility of constructing the bridge authorizing the MBA to employ engineering services in connection with the bridge's acquisition and construction, as well as legal and financial services. Senate Bill 829 (S-1) would amend Public Act 13 of 1966 (which provides for the issuance and sale of bonds for the purpose of refunding bonds issued by the MBA) to repeal a section transferring the operation of the Mackinac Bridge to the State Highway Department upon the repayment of refunding bonds issued by the MBA. Senate Bill 830 (S-1) would amend the Executive Organization Act to require the MBA to exercise its statutory powers, duties, and functions independently of the MDOT Director, and perform its budgeting, procurement, and related management functions in consultation with the MDOT Director.
MCL 254.302 Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 12-6-05 Fiscal Analyst: Craig Thiel
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. hb5339/0506