Summary — HB 1426 (North Dakota): Designation of CPL Raymond Porter Korea Bridge
Status
- Enacted and filed: Signed by the Governor March 25, 2025; filed with the Secretary of State March 26, 2025.
- Declared an emergency measure (effective immediately upon signature).
Purpose / Intent
- To honor Corporal Raymond Porter (Korea) by officially naming a specific bridge on State Highway 6 the “CPL Raymond Porter Korea bridge,” and to authorize placement of signage reflecting that name.
Key provisions
- Designation: Directs the (North Dakota) Department (the department responsible under chapter 24‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code — i.e., the Department of Transportation) to designate the bridge on State Highway 6 located between the junction of County Road 137 and the junction of 53rd Street as the “CPL Raymond Porter Korea bridge.”
- Signage: Requires the department to place signs along the avenue identifying the bridge by that name.
- Donations and funding: Authorizes the department to accept donated signs or donated funds for placement of the signs. Any donated funds received for this purpose are appropriated to the department on a continuing basis for sign provision (i.e., funds do not revert at fiscal year end and remain available for the specified purpose).
- Emergency clause: Declares the act an emergency measure so the designation and related authorities take effect immediately upon enactment.
Who or what is affected
- North Dakota Department of Transportation (or the statutory “department” responsible for state highway signage) — must implement the designation and install signage.
- Local community and motorists — signage and the official name will be placed at the specified bridge location on State Highway 6.
- Donors — private entities or individuals may donate signs or funds to support signage; donated funds are explicitly appropriated for that use.
Fiscal and practical impact
- Direct fiscal impact is likely minimal. Costs consist primarily of producing and installing signs; acceptance of donated funds or donated signs reduces the need for state appropriations.
- The continuing appropriation provision ensures donated funds remain available when needed for sign procurement or replacement.
Location detail
- Bridge on State Highway 6 between:
- Junction with County Road 137, and
- Junction with 53rd Street.
Legislative sponsors (as introduced in North Dakota)
- Representatives Dockter, Holle, Martinson, Porter, Rohr, Toman, Heinert.
Notes
- The bill is a naming/commemorative measure; it does not change traffic rules, bridge ownership, maintenance responsibilities, or create regulatory obligations beyond signage placement and acceptance of donations.
