Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Road Naming topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances bill to name part of M‑22 for Civil War Company K
Summary
A House committee voted unanimously to report House Bill 5,078, which would name a portion of M‑22 near Suttons Bay to honor Company K, a Civil War unit composed largely of Anishinaabe (Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi) men, after testimony from Rep. John Roth and neutral comments read into the record.
Representative John Roth asked the Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday to rename a section of state highway M‑22 in the Suttons Bay area to honor Company K, a Civil War unit made up largely of Anishinaabe (Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi) men.
"I asked you today to support, to rename part of M‑22 in the Suttons Bay area," Representative John Roth said in remarks to the panel, describing Company K’s recruitment across northern Michigan counties and the unit’s service at engagements including Spotsylvania and the siege of Petersburg. Roth noted tribal leaders encouraged enlistment and framed the proposed naming as a recognition of their service and sacrifice.
Supporters told the committee the naming would not impose local costs. A committee member asked whether the proposal had funding; another member replied, "It's paid for." Max Alba’s neutral testimony was read into the record in support of the bill.
Representative Preston moved to report House Bill 5,078 with recommendation. The clerk called the roll; the vote was recorded as 15–0, and the committee reported the bill with recommendation.
The measure asks the legislature to rename a stretch of M‑22 to memorialize Company K and its service. Committee members praised the unit’s contributions and the historical recognition embodied by the proposal. The committee did not record amendments or further conditions and proceeded to advance the bill to the next step.
The committee advanced HB 5,078 by unanimous roll-call vote; the bill now moves forward per the usual legislative process.
