Committee hears bill to name I-44 overpass for Dr. Tommy McDonald; MoDOT sign cost noted

Representative John Black (Webster County) presented House Bill 2576 to the Special Committee on Tourism, asking the panel to approve naming an Interstate 44 overpass near Marshfield for Dr. Tommy McDonald. Black described McDonald's military service in World War II (including participation at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge), his receipt of two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star, and a decades-long medical career in Marshfield during which Black said McDonald delivered more than 4,500 babies.

Black told the committee the bill asks the Missouri Department of Transportation to pay for the commemorative signs; the fiscal note attached to the bill lists the sign cost at approximately $4,700. "We're asking this cost to be borne by MoDOT, it's $4,700, it's in your fiscal note," Black said.

Chairman Seitz, speaking as a fellow veteran, praised McDonald's service and asked whether the overpass already had a name; Black said it did not. Representative Wilson affirmed her support after confirming McDonald's decorations and Missouri roots. Representative Fountain Henderson asked for geographic context; Black explained Webster County is near Springfield and that the overpass is a relatively new bridge east of Marshfield crossing I-44.

Representative Whaley, also identifying as a veteran, thanked Black for carrying the bill and said McDonald deserved recognition. There were no witnesses who spoke in opposition or for informational purposes, and the committee concluded the hearing and adjourned. No committee vote or final action is recorded in the transcript.