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Committee gives due pass to bill naming Dickinson bridge for Specialist John P. Fettig
Summary
The House Transportation Committee voted to give House Bill 1140 a due-pass recommendation to name the Heart River bridge on South State Avenue in Dickinson for Specialist John P. Fettig, a Dickinson native killed in Iraq; the bill carries an emergency clause to begin work this spring and passed the committee unanimously with one member absent.
Bismarck — The House Transportation Committee on Jan. 16 recommended that the full House give House Bill 1140 a due pass to name the bridge on South State Avenue in Dickinson for Specialist John P. Fettig, a Dickinson native who was killed in action in Iraq in 2003.
Representative Vicki Steiner, who introduced the measure, said the naming would memorialize Fettig’s service and allow the community a visible place to remember his sacrifice. “This sign will be a special tribute to his sacrifice in a foreign war to protect our country,” Steiner told the committee.
Jim Nelson, legislative director for the North Dakota Veterans Legislative Council, testified on behalf of the family and described Fettig’s military service and the circumstances of his death in July 2003. Colonel Patrick Flanagan, chief of staff of the North Dakota Army National Guard, also testified in support and described Fettig as a guardsman whose service and character merited public recognition. Fettig’s parents, Larry and Shirley, attended the hearing and were introduced to the committee.
The bill contains an emergency clause so work on signage can begin this spring, Steiner said; she asked the committee for a due-pass recommendation. Representative Schott moved a due-pass recommendation, and Representative Dressler seconded. The clerk recorded a committee vote of 13 yes, 0 no, with 1 member absent.
If enacted, state transportation authorities will work with the family on sign wording and placement; testifying National Guard and DOT representatives said such naming measures are a customary way to honor fallen service members and to provide a community memorial.
Notes: The memorial sign is proposed for the Heart River Bridge on South State Avenue in Dickinson; the bill text as read memorializes service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and includes an emergency clause.
