Bill
HB 6074
Designates a portion of US-31 in Grand Traverse County as the Trp. James E. Boland Memorial Highway, an honorary designation funded privately for markers.
Primary purpose
- To add an honorary designation to a segment of US‑31 in Grand Traverse County, naming the portion between Three Mile Road and Bunker Hill Road the "Trp. James E. Boland Memorial Highway."
What the bill would do
- Amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act (2001 PA 142; MCL 250.1001–250.2092) by adding section 11d (MCL 250.1011d) that formally designates the specified portion of US‑31 with the memorial name.
Background
- Trooper James E. Boland (born Jan. 11, 1945) served with the Michigan State Police. In July 1987 he was directing traffic during a security detail in Traverse City and was fatally struck by a vehicle on July 26, 1987. The committee report and testimony describe his service and death and support recognizing his sacrifice through a highway designation.
Key provisions and effects
- The bill creates a ceremonial/honorary designation only; it does not change highway jurisdiction, maintenance responsibilities, or official routing.
- Signage: the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will provide for erection of markers only after sufficient private contributions have been received to cover the cost of erecting and maintaining those markers, per section 2 of the Michigan Memorial Highway Act. Therefore the bill imposes no state or local fiscal cost for signs unless privately funded.
- No changes to enforcement, funding, or operational aspects of the highway are made.
Who or what is affected
- Geographic: US‑31 in Grand Traverse County between Three Mile Road and Bunker Hill Road.
- Agencies: MDOT (for signage logistics) and private donors (potentially funding markers).
- Stakeholders: Trooper Boland’s family, the Michigan State Police (supporter), local community, and motorists who travel the designated segment.
Legislative and procedural status (selected)
- Introduced: Nov. 12, 2024 (Rep. John R. Roth; also listed with Rep. Bruck as co-sponsor in bill text).
- Referred to Committee on Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure; reported from committee and referred to second reading (Dec. 3–7, 2024).
- Committee public hearing: Feb. 14, 2025.
- Subsequent referrals and actions in 2025 include review by Appropriations, filings with Legislative Counsel Office, and being tabled for the House calendar (file no. 911) as of May 14, 2025.
- Support/positions: Michigan State Police testified in support; MDOT took a neutral position.
Fiscal note: No state or local fiscal impact anticipated because marker erection requires private funding under current law.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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