LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. John Damoose applauded final legislative approval for his bill to designate the Mackinac Bridge as a “Key Facility.”

“The Mackinac Bridge is an identifying symbol of our state, and one that comes with significant responsibilities that ensure the safety of residents, especially of those who live north of the bridge,” said Damoose, R-Harbor Springs. “We have had some concerning situations in recent history, and this designation would have helped greatly with the prosecution of those bad actors.

“These situations, thankfully, did not end in a tragedy, but we need to take such crimes more seriously going forward because of the risk they pose.”

Senate Bill 71 would designate the Mackinac Bridge as a “Key Facility” and offer strengthened protections similar to refineries, chemical facilities, electrical facilities and other secure locations that could pose a public threat resulting from unauthorized access.

“This is not only in the best interest of our residents here in Michigan, but across the nation as a show of strength and national defense,” Damoose said. “Enhancing these protections and security measures will deter trespassing and criminal activity.

“When signed into law, this legislation will afford the Mackinac Bridge the protections it rightfully deserves.”

The legislation has previously received support from members of the Mackinac Bridge Authority and officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation, among others.

The bill now heads to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk to be signed into law.

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