Senators Allen, Prusi and George offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 79.

            A resolution commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the completion of the Mackinac Bridge.

            Whereas, The Michigan Senate is proud to commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the completion of the Mackinac Bridge, providing the vital link between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of our great state; and

            Whereas, In 1934, the Michigan Legislature created the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority and empowered it to investigate the feasibility of the construction of a bridge and to finance the work through the issuance of revenue bonds. Despite limited funds, the authority actively pursued this project and had the blessings of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, as well as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. However, work stalled with the onset of World War II, and ultimately, the Michigan Legislature abolished the authority in 1947; and

            Whereas, In 1950, the Michigan Legislature re-established the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority with direction to facilitate the creation of a bridge connecting Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, joining the two unique peninsulas that make up our state; and

            Whereas, In 1954, construction officially began on the bridge under the direction of Dr. David Steinman to create the longest suspension bridge in the world. With finance and construction efforts coming from all over the nation, the construction of the bridge proved to be a vital boost in the economy of our state. Utilizing the most recent technological and engineering advances, as well as 42,000 miles of cable, the five-mile bridge is able to accommodate four lanes of motorized traffic and is suspended 200 feet above the choppy waters of the Straits of Mackinac; and

            Whereas, The bridge opened for traffic as scheduled on November 1, 1957, despite the many hazards of maritime construction over the Straits of Mackinac, officially creating our state's most recognizable man-made landmark; and

            Whereas, With over four million crossings of the Mackinac Bridge annually, it is essential to the economic vitality of our state that the Mackinac Bridge be recognized upon reaching the milestone of fifty years of service linking the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The bridge has allowed for historical and economic growth in Michigan and has helped vitalize the immensely important tourism industry in northern Michigan; and

            Whereas, The millions of visitors and commercial vehicles that traverse the bridge every year directly contribute to the local economies of St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, and Mackinaw City in a given year, making the Mackinac Bridge extraordinarily important in the regional and statewide economy; and

            Whereas, The Mackinac Bridge has become a worldwide landmark, symbolizing the ingenuity with which our state has come to be known. The crown jewel of our great state, the "Mighty Mac" has served to inspire the fortitude, strength, and spirit of Michigan and its people. A symbol of the enduring greatness of our state, the Mackinac Bridge is evidence of the determination and willpower of the citizens of Michigan; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge. Special thanks is given to the engineers and iron workers who designed, built, and continue to maintain this piece of Michigan history and to the community and state leaders who believed in this grand vision of two peninsulas united by a bridge of steel. It is a pleasure to recognize this important structure and the vital purpose it has served in Michigan's commerce, travel, economic well-being, and source of pride; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, the city of St. Ignace, the village of Mackinaw City, the city of Mackinac Island, and the Michigan Department of Transportation in celebration of this historical milestone.