Public Chapter 43

HOUSE BILL NO. 1872

By Representative Gunnels

Substituted for: Senate Bill No. 1872

By Senator Miller

AN ACT providing for directional signs on Interstate 75 in Monroe County for Hiwassee College.

WHEREAS, it is important for the members of this General Assembly to recognize those academic institutions whose singular contributions to the welfare of this State and its young persons redound to the common good for all Tennesseans; and

WHEREAS, since 1849 Hiwassee College has provided students with a sound liberal arts education in a selected number of career fields, combining general education with specialized training in preparation for a vocation; and

WHEREAS, a two-year college affiliated with the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church, Hiwassee promotes Christian living through a wholesome spiritual environment, and encourages students to explore social, cultural, physical and emotional experiences as part of personal growth and development; and

WHEREAS, located in Madisonville, its supportive environment and location near the Great Smoky Mountains provides students with a wealth of opportunity for involvement and recreation; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the Department of Transportation should erect signs directing persons to Hiwassee College, which serves the educational needs of countless Tennesseans to use their academic abilities to the fullest, thus benefiting themselves and the State of Tennessee as a whole; now, therefore,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, it shall be the duty of the Department of Transportation to erect and maintain directional signs at sites and facilities of educational and cultural interest to the citizens of the State, including the erection of such signs for Hiwassee College in Monroe County at the Sweetwater Exit on Interstate 75, both northbound and southbound.

SECTION 2. The erection of such directional signs shall be within the guidelines prescribed by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

SECTION 3. This act shall become operative only if the Federal Highway Administrator advises the Commissioner of Transportation in writing that the provisions of this act shall not render Tennessee in violation of federal laws and regulations and subject to penalties prescribed therein.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.