Kingman council approves public naming process and fundraising for Rancho Santa Fe interchange

The Kingman City Council voted to solicit public input and private fundraising to rename the Rancho Santa Fe Parkway interchange, with the city agreeing to cover any shortfall if fundraising does not cover a $6,326 design change order.

Council received a staff report that changing the interchange name from Rancho Santa Fe to Rattlesnake Wash would require a design change order of $6,326. City staff said that because the cost is on the design side it cannot be charged to the project's construction contingency and would be a direct city change order. City Manager Walsh and staff said the council need not decide the matter until July if it preferred to solicit public input first.

The motion approved by the council directs staff to compile a shortlist of names, open a public nomination and vote process, and to pursue private fundraising to cover the name-change cost; the council clarified that the city would cover any remaining shortfall if outside funding is not raised. The motion passed with all council members voting in favor.

Council members and members of the public offered competing rationales for possible names. Councilor Savage urged honoring the area's World War II aviation history by considering "Flying Fortress," linking the B-17 nickname to the airport's training role. Councilor Salie and Councilor Walker also supported public involvement and fundraising. Vice Mayor Samaly and other councilors emphasized that the council did not want to increase project costs from the city's contingency funds.

Members of the public who spoke during the item favored Rattlesnake Wash as locally distinctive. Margie Hoff said, "Rattlesnake Wash...is Kingman, that's it," adding that unique names can attract visitors. Don Martin, identified as a Mojave County supervisor and Rancho Santa Fe resident, urged the council to consult residents of the Rancho Santa Fe neighborhood and said, "If the majority says change it, change it. If they don't, don't do it." Eve Garland, a resident, suggested names that reference the airport and noted the interchange's purpose in improving airport access.

Council discussion also covered process details: staff suggested options ranging from council-curated shortlists to open public nominations, with a timeline proposed for nominations in February, a shortlist in March, and a final selection by the first April meeting. Engineering staff warned that overly long names could affect sign engineering and costs, and the council directed staff to limit candidate names to lengths compatible with existing sign sizes.

The council's direction is procedural rather than a formal renaming; implementing a new name requires the design change order and associated sign updates if a final name is adopted and funds secured. Staff will return with a recommended process to gather names, a shortlist and fundraising plan.

Ending: The council's vote sends the naming process to staff for public outreach and fundraising; if private funds do not cover the $6,326 cost, the city has agreed to cover the shortfall as part of the approved motion.