Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
SERGEANT MATTHEW WEBBER MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
House Bill 5635 as reported from committee Analysis available at
Sponsor: Rep. Tom Kunse http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Committee: Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure
Complete to 5-16-24
SUMMARY:
House Bill 5635 would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate highway
US-131 in Mecosta County, from 11 Mile Road to Old State Road, as the “Sgt. Matthew
Webber Memorial Highway.”
MCL 250.2073b
BACKGROUND:
According to committee testimony, the Michigan National Guard, and the Military Times,
Matthew A. Webber was born on October 30, 1982, in Grand Rapids, to Alan and Jayne
Webber. Matthew attended Morley Stanwood High School in Mecosta County, where he
was president of the student council, an Honor Society student, and a three-sport athlete,
graduating in June 2001. He continued his education by attending Western Michigan
University, where he was enrolled in the Business and Marketing degree program. He was
also a member of SigEps Fraternity.
In 1999, prior to graduation, Matthew joined the Army National Guard, initially not
expecting to see active duty, but hoping to earn money to attend Western Michigan
University. But he was called to active duty in June 2005 to proudly serve his country in
the war with Iraq.
Sergeant Webber was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (mechanized),
Army National Guard and was stationed at Habbaniyah, Iraq. On Monday, November 21,
2005, during combat operations, an improvised explosive device detonated near Sergeant
Webber’s Humvee. He sustained severe injuries and was flown to Brooke Army Medical
Center in San Antonio, Texas. On April 27, 2006, Sergeant Matthew Webber died of his
injuries. He was 23 years old.
Designating a portion of highway US-131 in Mecosta County would be an appropriate way
to honor his life, his dedication to his community, and his “always ready, always there”
sacrifice for his country.
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
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 2
 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.
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 5635 as reported from committee Page 2 of 2


Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 250.1001, 250.2092
As Passed by the House: 250.1001, 250.2092