Minnesota Senate Bill 3798, introduced on April 8, 2024, aims to honor the memory of Michael Gau by designating a bridge in Plymouth as the "Michael Gau Memorial Bridge." This legislation specifically pertains to the bridge located over U.S. Highway 169 on Hennepin County State-Aid Highway 9, also known as Rockford Road.

The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 161.14, to include a new subdivision that mandates the Minnesota Department of Transportation to create a suitable design and install appropriate signage to commemorate the bridge. The proposal has garnered support from various legislators, including authors Westlin and Dibble, and has successfully passed through several stages of the legislative process, including a committee report recommending its passage.

While the bill is primarily ceremonial, it reflects a broader trend of recognizing local figures and events through public infrastructure. The designation of the bridge serves not only as a tribute to Gau but also aims to foster community pride and remembrance. There has been minimal opposition to the bill, with discussions primarily focused on the logistics of signage and design rather than the bill's intent.

As the bill progresses, it highlights the importance of local memorials in Minnesota's transportation infrastructure, potentially setting a precedent for future commemorative designations. The next steps involve further readings and comparisons with related legislation, ensuring that the bill aligns with existing state laws and practices.