Establishes the "CW2 Rusten Smith Memorial Highway" in Phelps County
Impact
The impact of this bill on state laws primarily involves the amendment of Chapter 227 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. By adding a new section specifically for the designation of the said highway, it allows the state to formalize memorial honors and integrate local historical recognition into the broader transportation framework. This type of designation not only honors individuals but also enhances community pride and awareness regarding notable figures in the area, linking their legacy with public infrastructure.
Summary
House Bill 2653 proposes the designation of a section of Interstate 44 in Phelps County as the "CW2 Rusten Smith Memorial Highway". This bill aims to honor C.W.2 Rusten Smith by commemorating his contributions through the establishment of a designated memorial highway. To facilitate this, the Department of Transportation is tasked with erecting and maintaining appropriate signs along this route. This kind of legislation reflects a common practice where highways and public infrastructure are named in honor of individuals who have had a notable impact or service to the community or the state.
Contention
While the bill primarily focuses on honoring a local figure, discussions surrounding such designations can sometimes raise points of contention, particularly concerning the allocation of state resources for signage and maintenance. In this case, there may be discussions on whether public funds should be used for such memorializations, and how these choices reflect the values and priorities of the state. However, in the absence of outspoken opposition or significant debate in the provided discussions, HB2653 seems to garner general support as it seeks to honor a service member without significant legislative contention.