House Transportation committee advances 3 bills to name bridges and an overpass for military veterans

Bismarck — The House Transportation Committee on Tuesday recommended passage of three bills that would name two highway bridges in Walsh County and an overpass in Carrington to honor U.S. veterans.

Representative Karen Anderson, R–District 19 of Grafton, introduced House Bills 1090 and 1091 to designate bridges on State Highway 81 and U.S. Highway 81, respectively, in memory of Specialist Richard W. Orson and Specialist David Latreville. Representative Don Vigasaw, R–District 29, introduced House Bill 1092 to designate the overpass on the north edge of Carrington as the Staff Sergeant Miles Shelley World War II Overpass.

Committee members heard family testimony, historical context and details about how the signs are funded before voting to advance the measures.

Why it matters: Bridge and overpass namings are permanent, visible acknowledgments placed on state right-of-way. Sponsors and veterans groups said the namings recognize service and sacrifice, and several family members and historians described the veterans’ military records and local ties.

The committee heard from Jim Nelson, legislative director for the North Dakota Veterans Legislative Council, who summarized the group’s efforts and the background of the veterans honored. "Let's start naming…