FULTON, Ark.-The name of 4-year-old Maleah Davis may soon be greeting motorists in an even more visible way.
The Hempstead County Quorum Court recently approved a resolution in favor of naming a Southwest Arkansas overpass in memory of the child whose remains were found May 31 about a month after she disappeared, near Fulton's Exit 18 off of Interstate 30.
The Quorum Court's measure requests the Arkansas State Highway Commission to rename this Exit 18 overpass, which is currently know as the Red Lake Overpass, in memory of little Maleah.
Presently, there is a memorial sign close to the overpass' right side Exit 18 marker, which reads "Rest in Peace Sweet Angel Always in Our Hearts."
Close to the heart-felt sign rests a massive collection of flowers, crosses, stuffed toys and assorted other decorations,
Should the measure be approved, the overpass bridge will be renamed Maleah Davis Bridge with a sign facing both east and west traffic.
Steve Frisbee, district engineer with the Arkansas Department of Transportation's District 3, said that the five-member commission's naming of overpasses after people is fairly common- especially when the request is for a name that has garnered state, regional or national recognition.
"Right now, we have sent a copy of the Hempstead County Quorum Court's resolution, as well as a copy of the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office's letter of request for the name change, to the Highway Commission," Frisbee said.
According to state documents, the commission's next meetings will be July 24, Sept. 4 and Oct. 23.
Should the commission approve the measure, a community event will be held to dedicate the new signs.