Legislative Analysis
PRIVATE WESLEY VIETTI KARNA MEMORIAL HIGHWAY Phone: (517) 373-8080
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
House Bill 5462 (H-1) as reported from committee Analysis available at
Sponsor: Rep. Gregory Markkanen http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Committee: Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure
Complete to 5-14-24
(Enacted as Public Act 95 of 2024)
SUMMARY:
House Bill 5462 would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate highway
M-26 in Adams Township, from Academy Street to Hubbard Avenue, as the “Private
Wesley Vietti Karna Memorial Highway.”
Proposed MCL 250.1112
BACKGROUND:
According to committee testimony, the Escanaba Daily Press, and the Daily Mining
Gazette, Wesley Vietti Karna was born to Erikk Mattipoika Karna and Ida Olivia Karna in
Houghton County on August 24, 1922. Private Karna was a member of Company F, 2nd
Battalion, 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, II Corps, Fifth U.S. Army.
After initial training at Camp White, Oregon, the division participated in the Oregon
Maneuver combat exercise. In North Africa, the division underwent more training at Arzew
and Renan, French Morocco. In June, the division was sent to Italy as part of the Second
Corps of the U.S. Fifth Army. On or near September 24, 1944, while fighting in northern
Italy against an enemy force made up of German and Italian forces, Private Karna was
killed in action. He was 22 years old.
In 1948, Private Karna’s remains were returned to the Upper Peninsula from Italy aboard
the U.S. Army Transport Victory, along with 17 other Upper Peninsula service members
who lost their lives during World War II.
Dedicating a portion of M-26 in Adams Township would be an appropriate way to honor
his service and ultimate sacrifice for the state and the nation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Section 2 of the Michigan Memorial Highway Act indicates that the state transportation
department shall provide for the erection of suitable markers indicating the name of the
highway only “when sufficient private contributions are received to completely cover the
cost of erecting and maintaining those markers.” As a result, the bill has no state or local
fiscal impact.
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 2
POSITIONS:
The Department of Transportation indicated a neutral position on the bill. (5-14-24)
Legislative Analyst: E. Best
Fiscal Analyst: William E. Hamilton
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency HB 5462 (H-1) as reported Page 2 of 2


Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 250.1001, 250.2092
House Introduced Bill: 250.1001, 250.2092
As Passed by the House: 250.1001, 250.2092
As Passed by the Senate: 250.1001, 250.2092
House Concurred Bill: 250.1001, 250.2092
Public Act: 250.1001, 250.2092
House Enrolled Bill: 250.1001, 250.2092