FANNIE JONES MEMORIAL HGHWY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Christopher Belt

Designates a segment of Illinois Route 15 in East St. Louis as the Fannie Gwendolyn Jones Memorial Highway with plaques, honoring her civic contributions.

Arrived in House

Bill Summary — SJR 66 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and intent

Establishes a memorial designation naming a segment of Illinois Route 15 in East St. Louis, from its beginning to its intersection with Interstate 664, as the “Fannie Gwendolyn Jones Memorial Highway.”

The resolution honors the life and contributions of Fannie Gwendolyn Jones, a longtime East St. Louis resident and educator, recognizing her historic civic involvement and service.

Key provisions and changes

Designation: Article of the bill designates a specific roadway segment:

Illinois Route 15 in East St. Louis to its intersection with Interstate 664 will be named the “Fannie Gwendolyn Jones Memorial Highway.”

Signage and plaques:

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is requested to install plaques or signs at suitable locations along the designated highway segment, in a manner consistent with state and federal regulations, announcing the memorial designation.

Official action and commemoration:

Requires coordination with and presentation of the resolution to relevant parties:
The family of Fannie Jones
The Mayor of East St. Louis
The Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation

Scope: This is a symbolic designation (naming/branding of a highway segment) rather than construction or funding for road improvements.

Affected entities

Primary:

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) — responsible for signage and plaques.

Local government and community:

City of East St. Louis (local context for the roadway segment)
The Jones family (honored by the designation)

Stakeholders and organizations highlighted in the memorial history (for context and recognition)

Background on honoree

Fannie Gwendolyn Jones':

Born in 1922; longtime East St. Louis resident.
Educator: substitute teacher in District 189, then administrative staff, later Title I program coordinator; 33-year career.
Trailblazer: among the first Black candidates for statewide elected office (Clerk of the Illinois Supreme Court).
Active in numerous civic and religious organizations and community groups.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Legislative mechanism: Joint resolution from both Senate and House concurring in the designation.

Implementation timeline: The bill directs IDOT to act in accordance with applicable regulations; no funding authorization is explicit in the text. Implementation depends on IDOT’s process for memorial designations and sign installation.

Effective date: Not specified within the text; typically becomes effective upon passage and subsequent administrative action by IDOT.

Practical impact for readers

Commemorative value: Creates a lasting public acknowledgment of Fannie Jones’s contributions and legacy in East St. Louis.

Public awareness: Signage would inform travelers and residents about the community’s history and notable local figures.

No fiscal appropriation: The summary does not include any new funding; the impact hinges on IDOT’s compliance with signage requirements within existing processes.