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The Utah House on Monday unanimously approved legislation designating Interstate 15 from Spanish Fork to Lehi as the Rebecca D. Lockhart section of the Veterans Memorial Highway. The measure now moves to the Senate.
Bill sponsor Rep. Keven Stratton, R-Orem, discussed the part Lockhart played in the recent construction project on the corridor, which widened the highway and replaced roads and bridges. He said it was the fastest public highway project completed in the U.S. and finished $260 million under budget.
"In our wonderful state, we've been blessed by many many many great women," Stratton said. "We have an opportunity here to recognize not only the contributions of our late Speaker Lockhart but also the contributions of great women that we've all been blessed by."
He said the state's veterans initially raised concern about renaming a section of the highway, which was designated the Veterans Memorial Highway in 1998. But after he clarified that naming a section of the road after Lockhart will not replace the current name, the board of the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs voted unanimously in favor of the bill.
"This is not meant to detract form other landmark individuals, historical individuals, who have done so much," said Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Draper. "I think in that one stretch, it will mean a lot. It may seem small to some, but I really cherish the thought that there will be a reminder that will always be there."