Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Bridge Naming topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House Transportation committee advances 3 bills to name bridges and an overpass for military veterans
Summary
The House Transportation Committee voted to give a "do pass" recommendation to three companion bills to name two highway bridges and one overpass in Walsh County, Jamestown and Carrington after North Dakota veterans; the measures include emergency clauses and will proceed to the full House.
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 bridges after fallen soldiers, which a lot of states do," Nelson said, and later described the service records of the three veterans that the bills would honor.
Representative Anderson urged the committee to declare an emergency clause for the two Walsh County bills so signage and ceremonies could take place earlier in the year. "It's a nice enough time of the year. Family who would like to come, you know, for that event, it'll be a celebration," Anderson said, and she recommended a "do pass" with an emergency measure.
Lonnie Wongen, Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, answered committee questions about cost and funding. "No, it's not general fund dollars," Wongen said, explaining that signs are paid for with donated funds that the department buys through state contracts, and the Department of Transportation installs them at no charge. He told the committee that individual sign costs have ranged from about $200 to $400 and shipping can add up to roughly $300, putting a typical total in the $400–$1,000 range; he said the organization had received more than $3,000 in advance donations toward upcoming signs.
The committee also heard historical testimony about Staff Sergeant Miles Shelley, including remarks from Shirley Algerson, editor of the 160th Infantry News magazine and historian for the North Dakota National Guard, who framed Shelley’s record and the 160th Infantry Regiment’s role in World War II. Family members described personal memories and the local connections that motivated the nominations.
Representatives raised one operational question with the Department of Transportation about whether signage could include QR codes linking to biographical information. Wade Swenson, office operations director for the North Dakota DOT, said he believed QR codes are not allowed under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices but offered to check. "I think the QR codes aren't allowed in UTCD, regulation, but I'll look into that a little more," Swenson said.
Votes at a glance
- House Bill 1090: Designating the bridge on State Highway 81 as the Specialist Richard W. Orson Vietnam Bridge — Committee recommendation: Do pass (13–0, 1 absent). Motion by Representative Freylich; second by Representative Johnston. Kopelman recorded absent.
- House Bill 1091: Designating the bridge on U.S. Highway 81 north of Grafton as the Specialist David Latreville Vietnam Bridge — Committee recommendation: Do pass (13–0, 1 absent). Motion to do pass by Representative Morton; second by Representative Hendricks. Kopelman recorded absent.
- House Bill 1092: Designating the overpass in Carrington as the Staff Sergeant Miles Shelley World War II Overpass — Committee recommendation: Do pass (14–0). Motion (due pass) moved by Representative Casper; seconded by Representative Dressler.
What the committee decided next: The committee offered the bills for floor consideration with due-pass recommendations. Representative Freylich agreed to carry HB1090; Representative Martin and Representative Morton were noted as carriers for the others where indicated.
Context and implementation: Committee members and witnesses emphasized that signs are paid for with donated funds processed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and installed by the Department of Transportation. Sponsors requested emergency clauses for at least two measures so dedications could take place earlier in the spring; Anderson said an emergency clause requires a two-thirds vote on the House floor. The DOT said it will verify whether QR codes or other supplemental signage options can be used under traffic-control rules.
Ending: With committee approval, the three naming bills move to the House for further action. Committees and floor schedules will determine timing for final votes and any required emergency-clause debate.
