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House committee hears bill to designate Harrison Township 'Boat Town USA'
Summary
Representative St. Germain presented House Bill 4010 to designate Harrison Township as the state's 'Boat Town USA' symbol; members asked whether the measure should be a resolution, whether it sets a precedent and whether the 'USA' phrasing has legal effect; multiple local officials and industry groups submitted support.
The committee heard House Bill 4010, sponsored by Representative St. Germain, which would officially designate Harrison Township in Macomb County as the state's "Boat Town USA." The sponsor said the designation would promote Michigan's boating industry and tourism.
St. Germain said Harrison Township has used the "Boat Town USA" nickname locally for decades and presented statistics intended to show the area's boating concentration: "Within the township, there are 50 plus miles of coastline and canals, 4 public boat launches, 26 marinas, 8,000 boat slips," and Macomb County registers "over 53,000 boats." He called designation "a small way to promote the boating industry as a whole."
Committee questions and context
Members asked whether the proposal should be a resolution rather than a bill, whether the designation would set a precedent for other local nicknames, and whether the "USA" phrasing could create legal or branding issues. Vice Chair McFall asked why the sponsor chose a bill rather than a resolution; St. Germain replied, "We have all kinds of state symbols... I think it's just a great way to promote our economy."
Representative Weiss asked whether other communities might object if they did not receive a similar designation and questioned how "USA" would apply at the state level. St. Germain said the name is a longstanding local nickname and described the measure as promotional.
Support and testimony
Several individuals and organizations filed support statements without speaking. The record lists supporters including Brett Meyer of the Michigan Boating Industries Association; Ken Burkett, Harrison Township supervisor; Candice Miller, Macomb County public works commissioner; Mark Hackel, Macomb County executive; Steven Debreff of Freedom Boat Club; Kelly Lavoti of the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce; and Anthony Forlini, Macomb County clerk.
No committee vote on the bill was recorded in the transcript. Members moved to other business after the sponsor concluded and accepted supporting testimony in the record.
Ending
The hearing framed the bill as largely ceremonial and promotional but prompted questions on process and precedent; the transcript records committee discussion but no final action.
