The Highway 4 overpass in Jefferson could be getting a new name if members of the joint American Legion Post #11 and VFW Post #9599 are successful in their efforts to dedicate the bridge to veterans and first responders. To have the bridge’s name changed to “The Greene County Veterans and First Responders Memorial Bridge”, both the Greene County Board of Supervisors and Jefferson City Council must take action supporting the concept. Supervisor, Dawn Rudolph, says the board heard from the veteran’s group Monday morning.
Most bridges in Iowa are dedicated to an individual. The supervisors unanimously placed their support behind the dedication. According to Post Commander, Don Ihnken, including first responders in the title just made sense.
The veteran’s group presented to the Jefferson City Council Tuesday evening. The council is expected to support the dedication. It would then go to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) for approval. Typically, it takes about four weeks for a decision to be made on a project such as this. If the project is approved, the cost of creating the signs for the newly dedicated bridge falls to the VFW/American Legion. Ihnken says that will cost about $1,600. To contribute to the memorial signs, contact Ihnken at 515-370-5605, or you can send a monetary donation at the address included below.
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Attn: Memorial Bridge
VFW Post 9599/American Legion Post 11
109 North Chestnut Street
Jefferson, Iowa 50129
