Assembly Concurrent Resolution 16 designates the Feather River Bridge and Overhead on State Highway Route 20, spanning the Cities of Marysville and Yuba City and the Counties of Yuba and Sutter, as the “POW/MIA Bridge.” The resolution is primarily commemorative and honorary, intended to recognize American service members who remain missing in action or are prisoners of war, and to pay tribute to the POW/MIA flag and the local veterans community supporting the designation.
The measure also requests that the California Department of Transportation determine the cost of appropriate highway signs reflecting the special designation and, if donations from nonstate sources are provided to cover that cost, erect the signs. It does not create a new regulatory program or mandate state spending; instead, it relies on voluntary outside funding for signage and directs the Chief Clerk to transmit the resolution to Caltrans and the author for distribution.
Impact
ACR 16 changes the official designation of a state highway bridge segment in California law and authorizes associated commemorative signage subject to donated funding. Its practical legal effect is limited to symbolic recognition and highway naming, with no substantive changes to criminal, civil, transportation, or veterans-benefit statutes. The measure may affect Caltrans administrative responsibilities only to the extent of evaluating sign costs and installing signs if nonstate funds are sufficient.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been received very favorably and without controversy. It moved through the Legislature on consent calendar votes and passed each recorded vote unanimously, indicating broad bipartisan support. The findings in the resolution emphasize respect for veterans, missing service members, and local community involvement, which likely contributed to the positive reception.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record. Because the resolution is honorary and contingent on donated funds for signage, there were no apparent disputes over fiscal impact or policy change. Any potential concern would likely have been limited to the use of a state bridge designation for commemorative purposes, but the unanimous votes suggest no significant opposition from legislators or committees.
Designating a future interchange on K-10 highway as the Kris Norton memorial interchange, a portion of K-5 highway as the Rep Marvin S Robinson memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 160 as the CPL Monte Wayne Forrest memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 77 as the POW MIA memorial highway and bridge No. 82-14-6.88 (026) in Clay county as the POW MIA memorial bridge, and redesignating a current portion of the Harry Darby memorial highway for interstate highway 635.
Designating a portion of United States highway 77 as the POW MIA memorial highway and bridge No. 82-14-6.88 (026) in Clay county as the POW MIA memorial bridge.