PARK RANGER KRISTOPHER WILLIAM EGGLE
MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
House Bill 5113 as referred to second committee
Sponsor: Rep. Michele Hoitenga
1st Committee: Transportation
2nd Committee: Ways and Means
Complete to 2-19-20
SUMMARY:
House Bill 5113 would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of US-131 beginning in Wexford County at the intersection with highways M-115 and M-55 and extending south to the intersection with Marion Road in Osceola County as the “Park Ranger Kristopher William Eggle Memorial Highway.”
Proposed MCL 250.1055a
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
According to committee testimony, the Officer Down Memorial Page, and the National Park Service, Kristopher W. Eggle was born on August 5, 1973, in Cadillac. Growing up, Kristopher ran track and cross-country for his high school, became an Eagle Scout and a National Honor Society Student, and was valedictorian of his high school. After graduating from high school in 1991, Kristopher attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in wildlife biology.
In 1995, Kristopher accepted a position with the National Park Service at Great Smoky Mountains National Park tracking bears and wild boars. He later served as a law enforcement ranger at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Canyonlands National Park before arriving at Arizona’s Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in 2000. As a National Park Ranger, Kristopher enforced federal and state laws while also performing as an emergency medical technician, wildland and structural firefighter, and search and rescue team member. He also helped guard a 30-mile stretch of the U.S. border with Mexico in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
While patrolling on August 9, 2002, Park Ranger Eggle heard a radio report that members of a drug cartel had fled Mexican authorities into Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument at approximately 2 p.m. A Border Patrol helicopter in the area located the suspects and directed Ranger Eggle and Border Patrol agents to the area. One of the suspects was apprehended, but the second suspect opened fire. Ranger Eggle was struck below his vest. A medevac helicopter was sent to the scene, but Ranger Eggle had already succumbed to his wounds. He was 28 years old.
Designating a portion of US-131 would be an appropriate way to recognize and honor Ranger Kristopher W. Eggle and his commitment to his community, this state, and the United States of America.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Section 2 of the Michigan Memorial Highway Act indicates that the state transportation department shall provide for the erection of suitable markers indicating the name of the highway only “when sufficient private contributions are received to completely cover the cost of erecting and maintaining those markers.” As a result, the bill has no state or local fiscal impact.
POSITIONS:
The Department of Transportation indicated a neutral position on the bill. (2-18-20)
Fiscal Analyst: William E. Hamilton
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.