This year the Utah legislature passed a bill that would add former House Speaker Becky Lockhart’s name to a section of Interstate 15 in Utah County. The potential change has some veterans upset.
Currently, the entire stretch of I-15 in Utah is designated as the Veterans’ Memorial Highway. But with the sudden passing of former Speaker Becky Lockhart in January, legislators banded together to pass HB385 as a way to help memorialize her legacy. The bill renames the section of I-15 between Lehi Main Street and Spanish Fork Main street the Rebecca D. Lockhart section of the Veterans’ Memorial Highway.
The legislation has some Veterans concerned that the change will cause confusion. Terry Schow is one of Utah’s national executive committee members for the American Legion. He says this is an emotionally charged topic and that he wishes veterans groups would have been included more in the discussion.
“One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that, the more people that you get involved in the dialogue and the discussion, the better you have an understanding of which way to proceed,” he says.
Schow says one way they could have avoided the conflict is by naming a state highway after Lockhart. He also says he doesn’t think it’s likely that Governor Herbert will veto the bill, even with some veterans voicing their concerns.
“I don’t think there are any winners in vetoing it and perhaps the advice I would have for elected officials is make sure they look at all options before they proceed, particularly with a section of road that is named after veterans,” he says.
Officials in the Governor’s office say they have not yet reviewed this bill, so they can’t comment on its possible outcome. Herbert has until next Wednesday to make a decision.
