LANSING – State Representative Mike Simpson (D-Jackson) today announced that the Michigan House of Representatives has passed his plan to name M-188 and a portion of M-50 in honor of area veterans. Highway M-188 in Eaton County will be designated the Elgie G. Hanna Memorial Highway, while a part of Highway M-50 will be designated the Jackson County Veteran's Memorial Highway.
"Our armed forces deserve our respect and appreciation, and I hope this sends a message to our veterans that we honor their service," Simpson said. "Jackson County currently has no roadway dedicated solely to veterans, and I'm hopeful that this serves as a reminder to our men and women in uniform that we stand with them. It should also serve as a reminder to everyone who drives past of the extraordinary sacrifices our veterans have made on their behalf."
The newly named Jackson County Veteran's Memorial Highway would begin at the portion of M-50 beginning with its intersection with Riverside Road in Columbia Township and continuing north to U.S.-127. Highway M-188 will be named in honor of Elgie G. Hanna, who grew up in the V.F.W. National Home for Children near Eaton Rapids. When he became of age, he decided to join the armed services to show his appreciation for all that the V.F.W. home did for him as he was growing up. He was killed in combat less than 30 days after arriving in Vietnam.
The legislation will not cost taxpayers any money because private donations will pay for the markers that indicate the names of the highways.
Both bills passed the House last session, but the Republican-led Senate failed to take action. Simpson re-introduced the bills in January and pushed for quick action.