Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 377 in Hood and Johnson Counties as the Bob Cornett Parkway.
The bill's effect on state laws primarily involves the addition of Section 225.243 to the Transportation Code, which will formally recognize the Bob Cornett Parkway. This change will facilitate the construction of roadway markers that signify the new designation. Such markers will not just serve as identifiers for travelers but also promote a sense of place within the community. By recognizing this highway section, the state lends its support to local efforts in improving transportation and implementing navigational aids, which may have long-term benefits for regional development.
House Bill 2153 proposes to designate a portion of U.S. Highway 377, located in Hood and Johnson Counties, as the Bob Cornett Parkway. This designation is aimed at enhancing the identity and recognition of the highway section, which is currently under construction as a relief route around the town of Cresson. The amendment to the Transportation Code requires the Texas Department of Transportation to create and install appropriate signage indicating the new designation. This act aims to commemorate individuals associated with the highway, thereby adding an element of local pride and historical remembrance to the infrastructure.
While the bill appears straightforward, it may not be devoid of contention. Local residents and officials may have differing views on the necessity and implications of such designations. Some may perceive it as a means of honoring local figures and enhancing tourism, while others may question the allocation of state resources toward such commemorative efforts amidst broader infrastructure needs. The designated naming could also prompt discussions about how highways are recognized and the processes involved in such decisions, potentially leading to calls for more rigorous criteria for future designations.