(1) The commission may name or rename state transportation facilities including, but not limited to: State highways; state highway bridges, structures, and facilities; state rest areas; and state roadside facilities, such as viewpoints. The commission must consult with the department before taking final action to name or rename a state transportation facility.

     (2)(a) The department, state and local governmental entities, citizen organizations, and any person may initiate the process to name or rename a state transportation facility.

     (b) For the commission to consider a naming or renaming proposal, the requesting entity or person must provide sufficient evidence, as determined by the commission, indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal. Evidence may include the following:

     (i) Letters of support from state and federal legislators representing the impacted area encompassing the state transportation facility;

     (ii) Resolutions passed by local, publicly elected bodies in the impacted area encompassing the state transportation facility;

     (iii) Department support; or

     (iv) Supportive actions by or letters from local organizations including, but not limited to, local chambers of commerce and service clubs.

     (3) After the commission takes final action in naming or renaming a state transportation facility, the department shall design and install the appropriate signs in accordance with state and federal standards.

[2007 c 33 § 1.]