From:
gov_office@MICHIGAN.GOV [mailto:gov_office@MICHIGAN.GOV]
Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2005
4:58 PM
To: GOV-NL@LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV
Subject: Governor signs bills
codifying Mackinac
Bridge agreement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2005
Governor Granholm Signs Legislation
Codifying Mackinac
Bridge Agreement
LANSING –
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that officially codifies
the agreement between the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) and the Michigan Department of
Transportation (MDOT) approved by the Governor in September. The
agreement and the four-bill package detail the legal relationship between the
MBA and MDOT for the first time since the reorganization of state government
under the 1963 Constitution.
“The Mackinac
Bridge is an enduring symbol of the
beauty and grandeur of Michigan’s
two peninsulas,” Granholm said. “The agreement signed earlier this
year and the legislation I have signed today ensure that the Mackinac Bridge
Authority will continue to serve as the guardian of this precious asset.”
Under the agreement and the four bill package, the MBA will
continue to exercise its traditional independent decision-making role over
matters involving the bridge, including risk management, insurance,
engineering, inspection, and other services related to the operation,
maintenance, repair, and improvement of the Mackinac Bridge.
In addition, MDOT will continue to serve as the appointing
authority for the executive secretary of the Authority after consultation with
the MBA, and will work to implement decisions made by the MBA consistent with
state law. The department will also provide the MBA with civil
service personnel necessary for the MBA to perform its duties, assist with the
purchasing of goods and services, and provide input and expertise on the
state’s transportation system. The legislation also safeguards MBA
funds by requiring the state treasurer to maintain the funds in a dedicated
account.
"Just as the Mackinac
Bridge represents an important
connection between the Upper Peninsula and
lower Michigan, this deal also reflects the strong partnerships that we can
forge to better serve the citizens of our great state," said
Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard). “This legislation
represents a strong endorsement by the Legislature of the Governor’s
leadership in protecting the Mackinac
Bridge.”
McDowell, whose district includes the Bridge and MBA
headquarters, was a key advisor to the Granholm Administration in forging the
agreement and developing a bipartisan compromise on legislation to codify the
agreement.
Senate Bill 829 (Public Act 329) and Senate Bill 830 (Public
Act 330) were sponsored by Senator Jason Allen (R-Traverse City).
House Bill 5333 (Public Act 331) was sponsored by Representative Kevin
Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire) and House Bill 5339 (Public Act 332) was sponsored by
Representative Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba).
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