ROCK ISLAND – To honor the life and public service of former Congressman Lane Evans, State Senator Mike Halpin, alongside Representative Gregg Johnson, dedicated I-74 in the Quad Cities to his memory.

“Lane Evans was committed to this community and to this country,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this dedication, Illinois recognizes Evans’ service and accomplishments. Both as a mentor and a friend, Lane served as a great inspiration to me and showed what public service is all about: speaking your mind and fighting for folks in your community.”

Senate Joint Resolution 48 designates I-74 in the Quad Cities from 4^th Avenue to I-280 as the “Rep. Lane Evans Memorial Highway.” This designation pays honor and respect to former Congressman Evans’ service to his country.

"Lane Evans represented the best in us. Humble, honest, and deeply committed to the people he served." Said Representative Johnson. "Lane brought Rock Island values to the halls of congress never forgetting where he came from, and in turn, this community never forgot him. His name still carries weight here because the people he fought for knew he was one of their own. His legacy is a lasting reminder that integrity in public service still matters and that Lane Evans never stopped fighting for this community."

A Rock Island native, Evans served as a U.S. representative from 1983 until 2007. His time in office was defined by his progressive populist principles, service to his constituents and work fighting for veterans. Evans’ most impactful legislative achievement was his sponsorship and passage of the Agent Orange Act of 1991. This legislation created a study to understand the negative effects of Agent Orange on service members during the Vietnam War. Evans himself served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War at the age of 17, stationed in Okinawa. He was awarded the Silver Helmet award from the American Veterans Group in 1995.

To watch the press conference click here.