Senate Bill 551, introduced by Senator Marklein and co-sponsored by several representatives, aims to establish a process for marking the Mississippi River Trail in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that once the Department of Transportation (DOT) confirms that all municipalities along the Great River Road have passed resolutions supporting the trail and have identified a route, the DOT must notify the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB). The LRB will then publish a notice in the administrative register indicating the date of this confirmation. Following this, the DOT is required to procure and erect signs marking the trail within 18 months.

Additionally, the bill allows the DOT to request funding from the Joint Committee on Finance (JCF) to support the procurement and erection of these signs without the need for the committee to declare an emergency. This provision aims to streamline the funding process for the trail signage, ensuring timely implementation of the project. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the visibility and recognition of the Mississippi River Trail, promoting tourism and outdoor activities in the region.