Friday, September 13, 2013

Wisconsin - Dave Zien | Eau Claire Chippewa Herald

OFF THE WIRE


http://chippewa.com/news/opinion/letters/zien-road-signs-serve-as-important-reminders/article_61eb6934-1a2f-11e3-bc0b-0019bb2963f4.html
Zien: Road signs serve as important reminders

Dave Zien | Eau Claire Chippewa Herald
 September 12, 2013 
 • Dave Zien | Eau Claire(0) CommentsU.S. Harley Davidson Heritage of Honor Highway 45 could be the 45th designated highway/ bridge in Wisconsin. From the Bristol, Ill. border to Land O‘Lakes near Michigan, there are Harley stories to tell and messages to share, as there are for all of the Wisconsin-named highways and bridges.
Currently, 32 highways and 12 bridges are recognized through state statute. Only 13 of the 44 have a total 33 signs. Several have multiple signs, including Korean Hwy. 51 and Hwy. 32 – 32nd Division with five each.
Many of these 44 highways/bridges of honor cherish veterans, military and other proud patriots. Through groups, businesses, families and individuals, each community can reflect its own prominence by recognizing historic, cultural, ethnic and religious preservation.
Revealing exceptional facts and feats, legends, tall stories and mysteries can honor local pride on the interpretative signs. Educating our youth, visitors and ourselves is paramount.
Groups, patriots, veterans posts/auxiliary, etc., can initiate interpretative signs for approximately $900 per sign. This includes two sign posts, construction, paint and installation fees. The Wisconsin DOT helps with the verbiage and process.
The state of Wisconsin and the federal government prefer sign locations off the roadway. This can be negotiated according to state statute. Taxpayer dollars cannot usually pay for these highway signs.
People traveling Wisconsin roadways must be reminded of the sacrifice and freedom Americans have made. We can spearhead progress toward installing road signs for all the highways and bridges. This should be done under the direction of our state Legislature, clubs, veterans and patriotic groups.
To those of us present, those passed on and all we represent, let us again lead the charge to properly recognize our heroes, military, firefighters, law enforcement and freedom-loving Americans by getting these road signs installed.
Dave Zien is a former state senator.