Rep. Hunter offered the following concurrent resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 14.

            A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to include funding for capital costs for the Mackinac Bridge in legislation reauthorizing transportation spending through the Transportation Equity Act.

            Whereas, The legislation that provides the formula for the expenditure of federal funds for transportation purposes expires at the end of this fiscal year.  This legislation sets priorities for the country.  It represents the country's commitment to investments that are of vital importance to virtually all segments of our society; and

            Whereas, The Mackinac Bridge is clearly one of the nation's most valuable transportation resources.  It is a major component of our infrastructure, with benefits that extend far beyond our state.  An engineering marvel spanning one of North America's critically important freshwater transportation routes, the Mackinac Bridge is a treasure not only to the proud people of Michigan, but to the entire country; and

            Whereas, The Mackinac Bridge faces several costly projects in the near future.  Redecking and repainting will require a financial commitment that will be beyond the level that can be supported by the current financial structure, including the current toll rates.  Absorbing these costs may also threaten other components of Michigan's transportation system; and

            Whereas, As policymakers identify projects that will be funded through the reauthorization of TEA-21, it is most appropriate that attention be focused on costs facing one of our most important transportation resources—the Mackinac Bridge.  This treasure is clearly a worthy investment, one that serves as a vital link and as a symbol of our national strength; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to include funding for capital costs for the Mackinac Bridge in legislation reauthorizing transportation spending through the Transportation Equity Act; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.