PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The South Dakota Transportation Commission gives conditional approval to renaming a section of U-S Highway 83 in parts of Mellette and Todd County for the efforts of the Sicangu Lakota Code Talkers.  State Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt says that stretch of highway already honors Vietnam veterans.

Some on the Commission asked if the group responsible for the current dedication approved of the request.   Christina Bennett, Construction and Maintenance Engineer for the D-O-T says that’s information that may not be on file.

Commissioner Mike Vehle of Mitchell loves the idea of the Code Talker designation, but believes Vietnam veterans groups should be contacted first.

The Commission approved a motion to move forward with the Sicangu Lakota Code Talker Memorial Highway pending approval and consultation with a state Vietnam veterans group.