"Dr. Jasper Salmond Highway"

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tameika Isaac Devine

Name a US-176 segment in Richland County as Dr. Jasper Salmond Highway and install commemorative signs.

Adopted, returned to Senate with concurrence

Purpose and intent

This is a concurrent resolution directing the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to name a specific stretch of road in Richland County as “Dr. Jasper Salmond Highway.”

Specifically, it requests naming the portion of United States Highway 176 from its intersection with South Carolina Highway 16 to the Columbia Canal in Richland County.

Key provisions and changes

The resolution asks SCDOT to:

Name the identified segment of US-176 “Dr. Jasper Salmond Highway.”
Place appropriate markers or signs containing the name at the specified location.

The bill does not create a new law or funding program; it serves as a formal request to the state transportation agency.

The resolution requires the Department of Transportation to receive and presumably act on the request, consistent with standard procedures for honorary highway designations.

Who and what is affected

Affected entity: South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), which would implement the naming and signage if the request is approved.

Geographic scope: A segment of United States Highway 176 between the intersection with SC Highway 16 and the Columbia Canal, within Richland County.

Community impact: Honors Dr. Jasper Salmond, a long-time educator, veteran, public servant, and community leader recognized for decades of service in education, local governance, and charitable work.

Background on the honoree

Dr. Jasper Salmond is described as a Camden native with extensive service in education (teacher, assistant principal, and principal roles), military service as a noncommissioned officer in the Army, and leadership within various community organizations and boards.

He has received multiple honors, including an honorary doctorate, the Order of the Palmetto, and recognition from several educational and civic groups.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history: Introduced and referred to the Senate/House Committee on Transportation on May 5, 2026.

As a concurrent resolution, passage requires approval from both chambers (Senate and House) and then action by the Governor.

No timetable is specified for SCDOT to complete signage, which would depend on standard processes for honorary highway designations, including approvals, sign fabrication, and placement.

Practical considerations

Honorary road designations typically do not affect road funding or maintenance responsibilities; they primarily alter signage and place names for navigation and commemorative purposes.

Signage placement would follow SCDOT regulatory and safety standards, with markers identifying the new name for motorists and residents.

This bill, if enacted, would formally recognize Dr. Jasper Salmond by naming a segment of US-176 in Richland County and installing corresponding markers.

Bill