HF4165

Purpose

• Designate the Hastings Bridge on U.S. Highway 61 over the Mississippi River in the city of Hastings as the Lieutenant General Edward J. Heinz Memorial Bridge. The designation is added to Minnesota statutes to formally recognize this bridge in state law.

Main Provisions

• Adds a new subdivision to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 161.14: Subd. 111. Lieutenant General Edward J. Heinz Memorial Bridge.
• The bridge commonly known as the Hastings Bridge (on U.S. Highway 61 over the Mississippi River in Hastings) is designated the Lieutenant General Edward J. Heinz Memorial Bridge.
• The commissioner must adopt a suitable design to mark this designation and erect appropriate signs, subject to section 161.139.

Significance and Changes to Existing Law

• Creates an official, codified name for the Hastings Bridge in state statute, ensuring formal recognition.
• Requires the Minnesota Department of Transportation (the commissioner) to implement signage and a marking design for the bridge in line with the designation, following the rules in section 161.139.

Implementation Details

• The designation and required signage are to be carried out by the commissioner of transportation, with the design and signs governed by the referenced statute (161.139).

Potential Impacts

• Enhances public recognition and memorialization of Lieutenant General Edward J. Heinz.
• Could influence signage, brochures, and official references to the Hastings Bridge in government materials and maps.

Relevant Terms Lieutenant General Edward J. Heinz Memorial Bridge; Hastings Bridge; U.S. Highway 61; Mississippi River; Hastings, Minnesota; Minnesota Statutes 2024; Section 161.14; Subd. 111; commissioner; design to mark; erect appropriate signs; section 161.139; designation.