HIGHWAYS: Redesignates the elevated portion of Interstate 220 in Caddo Parish as the "American Legion Post No. 14 Memorial Bridge"
Summary
HB 130 is a highway memorial designation bill for Caddo Parish. It redesignates the elevated portion of Interstate 220 in Shreveport, from South Lakeshore Drive to Hilry Huckaby III Avenue, as the "American Legion Post No. 14 Memorial Bridge." It also designates a portion of Louisiana Highway 173, from Elder Street and North Holtzman Avenue to Common Street, as the "Dr. Harry Blake, Sr. Memorial Highway."
The bill does not change traffic rules, funding formulas, or roadway jurisdiction. Instead, it directs the Department of Transportation and Development, or its contractors, to erect and maintain signage for each designation, but only if local or private funds are provided to cover the department's actual costs. The statute caps those costs at $2,250 per sign for the bridge designation and $750 per sign for the highway designation.
Impact
HB 130 amends Louisiana law to create two official memorial roadway designations in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and requires DOTD to install and maintain corresponding signs when reimbursed by local or private money. Its legal effect is limited to naming and signage; it does not alter highway operations, ownership, or public spending obligations beyond the reimbursement-based sign provisions.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly noncontroversial and well supported. It passed the House 97-0 and the Senate 35-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. The lack of committee transcript discussion also suggests little recorded opposition or debate.
Contention
There is no visible substantive contention in the available record. The only practical issue embedded in the bill is that signage must be funded by local or private monies and is subject to per-sign cost caps, which may matter to the entities sponsoring the memorials. Otherwise, the measure is a straightforward commemorative designation with no apparent policy dispute.