Lawmakers Pass Bill to Name New Red River Bridge

Louisiana lawmakers pass a bill naming the new span over the Red River, and it’s now on the governor’s desk. In the waning days of the last legislative session, one area lawmaker amended a bill to call it the Coleman Curtis Bridge.

State Representative Herbert Dixon says he wanted to name the bridge for two African-American public servants, Lemon Coleman and the late Bo Curtis. He says even though Coleman is still living, most memorials must be named for somebody who is deceased, a legislative attorney says this is permitted.

The entire bill, with Dixon’s amendment attached, is now awaiting the signature of the governor.

There had been a couple other suggestions about naming the bridge after the late minister G.A. Mangun or after late Pineville Mayor Fred Baden.

Also, Dixon acknowledges he did not confer with other area lawmakers about his plan.

KLAX ABC 31 News 6/17/14