An Act designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 68687, carrying Pennsylvania Route 271 over a tributary of Blacklick Creek in Blacklick Township, Cambria County, as the Martin J. Kupchella Memorial Bridge.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Brennan and 8 co-sponsors

Designates a PA Route 271 bridge in Cambria County as the Martin J. Kupchella Memorial Bridge, with signs recognizing his WWII service and community impact.

Re-committed to Rules

Summary of Bill HB 2227 (Session 2025-2026) — Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

Designates a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 271 as a memorial bridge honoring Martin J. Kupchella.

The designation recognizes Kupchella’s military service and community involvement, particularly his World War II actions and decorations.

Key provisions and changes

Designation of bridge: The bridge identified as Bridge Key 68687, which carries PA Route 271 over a tributary of Blacklick Creek in Blacklick Township, Cambria County, is designated the Martin J. Kupchella Memorial Bridge.

Signage: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) must erect and maintain appropriate signs displaying the name of the bridge in both directions on the bridge.

Designation details (foundational findings): The bill provides a narrative honoring Kupchella’s biography and wartime service, including:

Born April 14, 1920, in Nanty Glo, Cambria County.
Former coal miner; U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Participated in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Northern Apennines, and Central Europe.
Awarded the Silver Star for valor (December 17, 1944, near Honengen, Belgium) for leading and rescuing a platoon under fire.
Also received the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, and six Bronze Star Medals.
Active in local veterans and community organizations after the war.
Passed away January 5, 2000.

Affected parties and impact

Local designation impact: The designation affects residents and travelers in Blacklick Township, Cambria County, by creating a named memorial bridge along PA Route 271.

Signage and recognition: PennDOT is responsible for the installation and ongoing maintenance of signs identifying the bridge as the Martin J. Kupchella Memorial Bridge.

Cultural/historical impact: Provides a formal historic tribute to a local veteran and community member, contributing to local heritage recognition.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and sponsorship: Introduced February 18, 2026.

Committee path: Referred to the Senate/House Transportation Committee on February 19, 2026.

Effective date: If enacted, the act takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Summary of status

As of the provided text, the bill has been referred to the Pennsylvania House Committee on Transportation and has not yet been enacted into law.