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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Highway and Transportation Department

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Joint Memorial 63 requests the State Highway Commission designate I-25 as the "Veterans Memorial Highway."

Significant Issues

Naming of a highway requires formal action of the State Highway Commission.

New Mexico 599, the bypass around Santa Fe has already been named "Veterans Memorial Highway." In addition, portions of I-25 already have nine different designations, including El Camino Real, Old Santa Fe Trail, National Old Trails, Blue Star Memorial Highway, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Highway, Old Spanish Trails, Abo Pass Highway, Evergreen National Highway and Pan American Freeway. This request is in conflict with previously designated portions I-25.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

No impact on the department budget. State Highway Commission policy requires local entities to pay all signage costs. Each participating entity would be required to pay for a minimum of two signs, at a cost of $1.0 per sign.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

On approval by the State Highway Commission, the department will need to work with local governing bodies to identify locations for placement, approve design and supervise installation of the signs.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

NM-599 is already designated as "Veterans Memorial Highway."

MV/njw