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 portions of K-96 highway as the PFC Henry Lee Fisher memorial highway and the 96th Infantry Division memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 69 as the Ken W Brock memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 81 as the Merle Miller memorial highway and a portion of United States highway 281 as the first responders memorial highway, redesignating a current portion of the American Legion memorial highway for United States highway 281 and redesignating a current portion of the Frank Carlson memorial highway for United States highway 81, designating bridge No. 160-96-293.72 in Sumner county as the SrA Derek Scott Martin memorial bridge and designating the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe #3415 as the official state steam locomotive and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad as the official state heritage railroad.
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 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.
Designating a portion of K-5 highway as the Representative Marvin S Robinson II memorial highway 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.
Designating a portion of interstate 435 as the Officer Donald Burton Gamblin Jr memorial highway and a portion of United States highway 69 as the Robert Lessen memorial highway.