WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LD 162

Resolve, To Rename A Bridge In The Town Of Carmel The Kevin M. Howell Memorial Bridge

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dick Campbell and 6 co-sponsors

Renames the Carmel bridge as the Kevin M. Howell Memorial Bridge and requires DOT to update signage, with only minor, absorbed costs.

Signed by Governor
#bridges #kevinm.howellbridge #roads
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 162

LD 162 — Resolve, to Rename a Bridge in the Town of Carmel the Kevin M. Howell Memorial Bridge

A concise, nonpartisan summary of the bill, its effects, and its legislative history.

Purpose and Intent

  • Designates the bridge in the Town of Carmel as the “Kevin M. Howell Memorial Bridge.”
  • Aims to honor Kevin M. Howell through the naming of a local infrastructure feature.

What the Bill Would Do

  • Officially rename the identified bridge in Carmel as the Kevin M. Howell Memorial Bridge.
  • Direct the appropriate state agency (Department of Transportation) to implement signage changes reflecting the new name.
  • As a “Resolve,” this measure is ceremonial and establishes naming rather than creating new law with broad regulatory effect.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Name designation: The bridge in Carmel would bear the name Kevin M. Howell Memorial Bridge.
  • Signage: Requires updates to highway signage to reflect the new name.
  • Administrative costs: Minor cost increase to the Highway Fund for signage; costs can be absorbed within existing DOT resources (no new rider agencies or programs created).

Fiscal Impact

  • Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement (LR 0786(01), approved 1/23/25): Minor cost increase for DOT; signage-related costs can be absorbed within current budgets.
  • Final Fiscal Note (LR 0786(02), approved 3/12/25): Confirms a minor cost increase to the Highway Fund and reiterates signage costs can be absorbed within existing resources.
  • Overall: No significant budgetary impact; primarily a small, one-time or ongoing signage update cost covered by current DOT resources.

Who Is Affected

  • Maine Department of Transportation (DOT): Responsible for installing and updating signage to reflect the renamed bridge.
  • Town of Carmel and local residents: Will experience the name change reflected on road signs and any official maps or documents referencing the bridge.
  • General public and motorists: Will see the new bridge name in signage and related references.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025 (Rep. Thorne of Carmel, Committee: Transportation)
  • Referral and action: Committee on Transportation; work session February 27, 2025; OTP (Office of Telecommunications and Public) vote and reporting by late February
  • Debates and readings: March 4–11, 2025 (consent calendar, readings, engrossment)
  • Concurrence: March 11–18, 2025 (under suspension of the Rules; concurrence between chambers)
  • Final passage: March 18–20, 2025 (concurrence; final passage)
  • Governor action: Signed into law on March 25, 2025

Status

  • Signed by Governor: March 25, 2025

Summary

LD 162 is a ceremonial Resolve that officially renames a bridge in Carmel the Kevin M. Howell Memorial Bridge and requires DOT signage updates. The fiscal impact is minor, with signage costs absorbable within existing resources. The measure progressed through standard committee and legislative procedures and was signed into law in March 2025.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.