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Committee reports House Bill 4003 to name Muskegon River bridge for Matthew “Miracle Matt” Weber
Summary
Representative Koontz described the wartime injuries and death of Matthew Weber and the family's support for naming the US‑131 Muskegon River bridge in his memory; the committee voted 17-0 to report House Bill 4003 with recommendation.
Representative Ken Koontz presented testimony in support of House Bill 4003, which would name a portion of US‑131 that carries the Muskegon River bridge in memory of Matthew Weber, known to family as "Miracle Matt."
Koontz recounted that Weber was injured by an improvised explosive device while serving in Iraq and later died from those injuries. He said the family and community members consider naming the bridge a fitting memorial. Koontz noted a memorial video had been shown to the committee at a prior session and that the family chose not to return in person for additional testimony.
Koontz also addressed the cost of the memorial sign. He said a GoFundMe organized by his office staff raised funds quickly to cover sign costs and that the fundraiser brought in about $7,500 in roughly 48 hours; Koontz said the family directed any extra funds to the local AMVETS. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs filed a supportive card; MDOT filed a neutral card.
Representative Alexander moved to report House Bill 4003 with recommendation. The clerk called the roll; the committee recorded 17 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 passes and reported the bill with recommendation to the House. The committee record shows the roll-call yes votes.
Koontz closed by thanking members and by describing the family's wish to memorialize Weber at the Muskegon River bridge.
The committee did not adopt any funding or implementation provisions related to sign installation in the bill record.
