Section 26. Michael G. Tsikalas Memorial Bridge.
(a) Findings.--The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
(1) Michael G. Tsikalas was born June 3, 1926, in Uniontown.
(2) Mr. Tsikalas enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II and was assigned to an amphibious land cruiser, which was one of the first ships to land on Omaha Beach during D-Day.
(3) After the war, Mr. Tsikalas worked for more than 40 years at the Hi-Way Diner and acted as a guide for many young men in need or searching for advice.
(4) Mr. Tsikalas served as a role model while coaching grade school football for more than 30 years at both Holy Name Elementary School and Ebensburg Elementary School.
(5) Mr. Tsikalas' devotion to his community included more than 20 years of service as Mayor of Ebensburg Borough and Cambria County Prothonotary.
(6) As Mayor, Mr. Tsikalas was instrumental in many improvements, including the Rowena Revitalization Project and the Ebensburg Main Street Program.
(7) Mr. Tsikalas took great joy in administering the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America to new American citizens in his position as Cambria County Prothonotary.
(8) Mr. Tsikalas was best known as "Mayor Mike" and "Coach" to countless members of his community.
(9) Mr. Tsikalas passed away on May 18, 2022, after decades of selfless service to his community.
(b) Designation.--The bridge, identified as Bridge Key 8345, on that portion of U.S. Route 22 over Howells Run in Cambria Township, Cambria County, is designated the Michael G. Tsikalas Memorial Bridge.
(c) Signs.--The Department of Transportation shall erect and maintain appropriate signs displaying the name of the bridge to traffic in both directions on the bridge.