Designating a portion of United States highway 281 in Russell county as the first responders memorial highway and redesignating a portion of the American Legion memorial highway.
Impact
In addition to the new designation, the bill also proposes the redesignation of an existing section of the highway currently known as the 'American Legion Memorial Highway.' This reflects a dual focus on honoring both veterans and first responders, emphasizing the state's commitment to recognizing those who serve the community and the nation. This bill amends the existing statute K.S.A. 68-1011 to facilitate this change and streamline the naming process for highways in Kansas.
Summary
House Bill 2799 is a legislative proposal aiming to honor first responders by designating a portion of United States Highway 281 in Russell County as the 'First Responders Memorial Highway.' The bill specifically outlines the segment of the highway to be marked, running from the southern city limits of Russell to its junction with K-18 highway. This segment will be recognized with suitable signs as a tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by first responders in the community.
Conclusion
If enacted, HB 2799 will effectively alter state law regarding highway designations in Kansas. It will reinforce existing practices surrounding memorial recognitions while providing a formalized process for acknowledging first responders. This bill reflects broader societal values around honoring service and sacrifice, making infrastructure an important part of public memorialization within the state.
Contention
While HB 2799 primarily seeks to pay homage to first responders, it does not appear to raise significant points of contention during its discussions. The main objective is clear: to create a lasting commemorative tribute, which generally garners support across different legislative member perspectives. The redesignation of the highway, however, could prompt discussions about the allocation of such honors and whether multiple memorial recognitions could dilute specific associations with particular groups.
Designating a portion of United States highway 75 as the Brig Gen George H Wark memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 56 as the Bill Tucker memorial highway and redesignating a current portion of the purple heart/combat wounded veterans highway for United States highway 75.
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 I-35 as the deputy Sam Smith memorial highway and redesignating a current portion of the 35th infantry division memorial highway for I-35.
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.
Designating certain bridges on U.S. highway 69 and 18th street expressway in Johnson county as the Representative Robert M Tomlinson memorial bridge, a bridge on interstate 135 in Sedgwick county as the Don Snyder memorial bridge, a portion of interstate 35 as the deputy Sam Smith memorial highway, a portion of U.S. highway 36 as the undersheriff Brandon Gaede memorial highway, a portion of K-49 highway as the Pvt Michael E Gerber memorial highway and redesignating a current portion of the 35th infantry division memorial highway for interstate 35.
Relating to the designation of portions of the state highway system as memorial highways, to certain memorial markers on certain highways, and to the installation of highway signs for certain cultural attractions.