SPANISH FORT, Ala. — A resolution designating a portion of U.S. Highway 98 to honor military veterans lacks only state Senate approval to move forward.

The measure designating the portion of the thoroughfare from U.S. Highway 31 to the Barnwell area at the edge of Spanish Fort city limits as Via Bellator/Warior Way was introduced to the Alabama House of Representatives May 24 by Rep. Randy Davis, R-Daphne, and passed without opposition the following day.

Davis said the piece of legislation was endorsed fully by the area’s local delegation in the House.

As of press time, however, the item had not yet hit the Senate floor for consideration.

Spanish Fort dentist Dr. Barry Booth has been an outspoken champion of the honorary designation, conceived to tell area veterans “thanks for serving and welcome home to the Eastern Shore.”

The designation, which would in no way alter the actual names or addresses of businesses or residences along the roughly 15-mile stretch, aims to raise awareness for the service and sacrifice of active military and veterans, said Booth, who served in Vietnam in the U.S. Navy and remains a leader with Honor Flight South Alabama that transports veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial.

As of press time, the measure was awaiting consideration by the Senate Rules Committee, but should it progress favorably through the entire body, it would authorize the Alabama Department of Transportation to proceed with the proper signage.

If approved, the project could take between six months and a year to complete, Davis said.

Davis told the Spanish Fort City Council May 16 in petitioning for their support of the measure that the Via Bellator/Warior Way designation coupled with the pending creation of the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort “will enhance this area for our veterans.”