AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 24-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to designating the overpass on United States highway 52 as the S/Sgt. Miles Shelley WWII overpass; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to declare an emergency.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Craig Headland and 2 co-sponsors

Designates Carrington's US 52 overpass as the S/Sgt. Miles Shelley WWII overpass, allows donated signs/funds and a continuing appropriation for signage, effective immediately.

Filed with Secretary Of State 03/18

Main purpose

To officially name a specific highway overpass in Carrington, North Dakota, the "S/Sgt. Miles Shelley WWII overpass" (also referred to in the bill as the S/Sgt. Miles Shelley WWII bridge), authorize installation of identifying signs, permit acceptance of donated signs or funds for that purpose, and provide a continuing appropriation for any donated funds.

Key provisions

Designation: The bill directs the department identified in chapter 24‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code to designate the overpass on U.S. Highway 52 (the overpass that crosses the railway in Carrington) — specifically between the junction of State Highway 200 and the junction of Second Street North — as the S/Sgt. Miles Shelley WWII bridge/overpass and to place signs along the highway showing that name.

Donations: The department may accept donated signs or funds to support placement of the signs.

Continuing appropriation: Any funds donated for the signage are appropriated to the department on a continuing basis for the stated purpose (i.e., they remain available until expended and do not revert at the end of a fiscal period).

Emergency clause: The Act is declared an emergency measure, making it effective immediately upon enactment (or upon the date specified by the law).

Who is affected

The department named in chapter 24‑01 (the agency charged by the statute with highway/bridge naming and signage duties) — responsible for installing and maintaining the signage.

Carrington and local travelers — the overpass will carry an official commemorative name.

Veterans, family members, and community organizations — may be involved in proposing, funding, or donating signs.

Local budgets: Fiscal impact is minimal for state or local government because the bill allows donation-funded signage and establishes a continuing appropriation for donated funds; absent donations, the department would bear costs if it elects to place signs using existing funds.

Procedural/timeline aspects

The emergency clause means the naming and appropriation provisions take effect immediately upon final enactment (no delayed effective date).

The department may proceed to place signs and accept donations as soon as the law is in effect.

The continuing appropriation keeps donated funds available to the department until used for the specified signage purpose.

Practical impact

This is a narrowly targeted commemorative naming bill with limited budgetary effect (costs are expected to be covered by donations or absorbed within normal departmental operations). It creates an official, signed designation of the identified U.S. Highway 52 overpass in Carrington as a memorial to S/Sgt. Miles Shelley (WWII).

Bill