Resolve, To Rename The Kezar Falls Bridge Between Porter And Parsonsfield The Kezar Falls Veterans Memorial Bridge

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Libby and 2 co-sponsors

Renames the Kezar Falls Bridge to Kezar Falls Veterans Memorial Bridge and directs DOT to update signage, with minor, absorbable costs to the Highway Fund.

Signed by Governor

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LD 686 — Resolve to Rename the Kezar Falls Bridge

Overview

LD 686 is a Maine resolve that designates the Kezar Falls Bridge, which spans between the towns of Porter and Parsonsfield, as the Kezar Falls Veterans Memorial Bridge. The measure is a ceremonial naming action intended to honor military veterans. The bill was introduced on February 20, 2025, progressed through the Transportation Committee, and was signed by the Governor on April 14, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

To formally rename the Kezar Falls Bridge to recognize and memorialize veterans.

To authorize the necessary signage changes to reflect the new bridge name.

Key Provisions

Renames the Kezar Falls Bridge (between Porter and Parsonsfield) the Kezar Falls Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Directs the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) to update signage to reflect the new name.

Clarifies that signage-related costs are minor and can be absorbed within existing DOT resources.

Fiscal Impact

The fiscal notes indicate a minor cost increase to the Highway Fund related to signage.

DOT signage updates are expected to be minor and absorbable within current budgets; no new appropriation or substantial ongoing costs are foreseen.

Two fiscal notes (LR 1332(01) and LR 1332(02)) confirm the minor, absorbable nature of costs.

Affected Parties

Maine Department of Transportation (DOT): responsible for installing/updating signage and absorbing minor costs.

Local governments and residents of Porter and Parsonsfield: users of the bridge who will encounter the renamed structure.

Veterans and veteran advocacy groups: the intended beneficiaries recognized by the memorial naming.

Procedural History and Timeline

Introduced: February 20, 2025

Committee: Transportation

March 25, 2025: Work session held; voted OTP (Ought to Pass)

April 1, 2025: Read and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED; ordered sent forthwith

April 3, 2025: Passed to be engrossed; sent for concurrence

April 8, 2025: Finally passed (concurrence)

April 10, 2025: Passed in concurrence

April 14, 2025: Signed by the Governor

Summary

LD 686 is a straightforward naming resolution to honor veterans by renaming the Kezar Falls Bridge. The primary substantive action is the designation of the new name and the corresponding signage updates, with only minor expected costs borne by the Highway Fund. The bill proceeded through standard legislative steps and received gubernatorial signature in mid-April 2025.