Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 19 as the Mildred McMillan Garrett Memorial Bridge.
Impact
The passage of SB414 will add a commemorative marker to the area, boosting awareness of Mildred McMillan Garrett's contributions and potentially fostering community pride. Furthermore, it aligns with state efforts to recognize veterans and their sacrifices. The law facilitates the design and construction of markers appropriate for the bridge, enhancing local heritage and tourism opportunities by commemorating local figures who have contributed positively to the history of the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 414 designates a portion of State Highway 19 in Rains County as the Mildred McMillan Garrett Memorial Bridge. This designation honors Mildred McMillan Garrett, a notable World War II Army Corps veteran who made significant contributions to her community. The bill reflects a commitment to recognizing the legacy of individuals who have served the country and the impact they have made on local communities. This legislative action involved obtaining a resolution from Rains County, which supports the designation, thus embodying both local government input and state legislative action.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB414 has been generally positive, with broad bipartisan support reflected in the voting outcomes. The measure passed unanimously in the Senate with a 31-0 vote and received significant backing in the House, passing with 135 votes in favor against 8 against, indicating a strong consensus among lawmakers. This support underscores a collective recognition of the importance of honoring service members and ensuring their legacies are remembered.
Contention
Although largely uncontested, noteworthy aspects of contention center on the responsibility for the erection and maintenance of the memorial markers. While the bill stipulates the Department of Transportation to manage the construction and design of the markers, discussions arose regarding the ongoing maintenance of these memorials. Opponents of similar bills previously expressed concerns about potential costs to the state or local governments associated with such memorializations. However, these concerns did not significantly hinder the legislative process for SB414.