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HB 4145

Highways: memorial; portion of US-127; designate as the "2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 46a.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 35 co-sponsors

Designates a one-mile stretch of US-127 in Jackson County as the 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway; signage funded privately, highway function unchanged.

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Bill Summary · HB 4145

Summary — HB 4145: “2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway”

Purpose

House Bill 4145 amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate a one‑mile segment of US‑127 in Jackson County (between mile markers 39 and 40) as the “2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway.” The designation is honorary and intended to recognize 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger’s service and sacrifice as a member of the 332nd Fighter Group (the Tuskegee Airmen).

Key provisions

  • Adds section 46a to 2001 PA 142 (Michigan Memorial Highway Act; MCL 250.1001–250.2092), establishing the name: “2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway” for US‑127 between mile markers 39 and 40 in Jackson County (proposed MCL 250.1046a).
  • Does not change the legal or functional designation of the highway (it remains US‑127) — the change is honorary and for signage/memorial purposes only.
  • Marker erection and maintenance follow the existing Michigan Memorial Highway Act requirement that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will erect markers only after sufficient private contributions are received to cover marker costs and upkeep.

Background on 2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger

  • Born March 24, 1919, in Shelby, Tennessee; family moved to Jackson, Michigan, in 1930.
  • Attended Jackson Junior College and the University of Michigan (track competitor).
  • Trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field; graduated flight training March 12, 1944; served with the 302nd Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group.
  • On October 7, 1944, Stiger’s aircraft crashed near the coast of Yugoslavia during a mission; he was not recovered and later listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Sicily‑Rome American Cemetery. He was awarded a Purple Heart.

Fiscal impact

  • No state or local fiscal impact anticipated. Under the Memorial Highway Act, markers are erected only when private contributions fully cover erection and maintenance costs. MDOT took a neutral position.

Who is affected

  • Primarily an honorary recognition affecting veterans, Stiger’s family, local historical and veterans’ organizations, and motorists who travel that segment of US‑127 (who will see commemorative signage).
  • MDOT will coordinate installation of signage if private funding is provided; routine highway maintenance and legal roadway designation are unaffected.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced in early 2025 (sponsored in the House by Rep. Kathy Schmaltz).
  • Considered in committee and reported favorably; passed the Legislature and was signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.
  • Became effective September 1, 2025 (signage subject to private funding per existing law).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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