HF854

Purpose

This bill designates a specific portion of a state highway in Kandiyohi County as a memorial highway. It adds a new subdivision to Minnesota’s highway statutes to create the "Sergeant Joshua A. Schmit Memorial Highway."

Main Provisions

• Creates a memorial designation for a segment of Trunk Highway 23 in Kandiyohi County.
• The designated segment runs from the interchange with U.S. Highway 71 north of Willmar to Lake Avenue South in Spicer.
• The designation is named the “Sergeant Joshua A. Schmit Memorial Highway.”
• The bill directs the state commissioner to adopt a suitable design to mark this highway and to erect signs, following the applicable signage rules in section 161.139.
• The change is made by adding a new subdivision (Subd. 108) to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 161.14.

Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 161.14 by adding Subd. 108, establishing a new memorial designation for a specific segment of Trunk Highway 23 in Kandiyohi County.

Implementation and Signage

• The commissioner of transportation is required to develop and place signage for the memorial designation.
• Signage must be designed and installed in accordance with the standards and procedures in section 161.139.

Scope and Location

• Geographic scope: Kandiyohi County, Minnesota.
• Specific highway segment: Trunk Highway 23 from the interchange with U.S. Highway 71 north of Willmar to Lake Avenue South in Spicer.

Significance

• Recognizes Sergeant Joshua A. Schmit by naming a public thoroughfare in his honor.
• Adds a formal process for design and signage to memorialize the individual on state transportation infrastructure.

Relevant Terms - Sergeant Joshua A. Schmit Memorial Highway - Trunk Highway 23 - Kandiyohi County - Willmar - Spicer - U.S. Highway 71 - Lake Avenue South (Spicer) - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 161.14 - Subd. 108 - memorial designation / memorial highway - commissioner of transportation - section 161.139 - designation of highway signs / signage