LAUGHLIN, NV — In a landmark ceremony for regional identity and cooperation, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo today signed Assembly Bill 110, designating Nevada’s State Route 163 as the Colorado River Highway and formally naming the bridge into Arizona as the Donald J. Laughlin Memorial Bridge.
This act completes a coordinated, cross-state initiative—first championed by Mohave County, the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce, and the Laughlin Tourism Commission—to align Nevada’s and Arizona’s primary highways into Laughlin and Bullhead City under a single, unifying name: “The Colorado River Highway.” Because all roads lead to the river.
Arizona was the first to act, approving the name change of State Route 68 through the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names on June 3, 2024. The Nevada designation, passed by the Nevada Legislature during the 83rd session and affixed with the Governor’s signature, finalizes the joint vision of a bi-state corridor celebrating the river that connects our communities, cultures, and economies.
About Assembly Bill 110
Sponsored by Assemblywoman Danielle Gallant and Senator Jeff Stone, AB110 amends state statute to:
– Designate Nevada State Route 163 as the Colorado River Highway
– Name the connecting bridge between Laughlin, NV and Bullhead City, AZ as the Donald J. Laughlin Memorial Bridge
– Direct the Nevada Department of Transportation to install suitable markers along both the highway and the bridge
This official designation not only honors Laughlin’s founder but strengthens the region’s tourism identity through seamless, shared branding across state lines.
Leaders Speak
Carrie Larson, Executive Director of the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce:
“This is more than a renaming—it’s a celebration of who we are, and a sign of where we’re headed—together. I’m deeply grateful to those who laid the foundation for this project and honored to help carry it across the finish line on behalf of our community.”
Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft:
“This action honors the important legacy of a visionary who helped shape the identity of the Tri-State region. By formally naming this bridge after Don Laughlin, we commemorate a man whose generosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to community transformed a quiet river town into an incredible destination.
Arizona State Senator Hildy Angius:
“This project was always about partnership—two communities on opposite sides of the river working together to create something meaningful. The Colorado River Highway isn’t just a name; it’s a statement of unity, identity, and pride for the entire region.”
Nevada Assemblywoman Danielle Gallant:
“Naming SR163 and the bridge after the Colorado River and Don Laughlin not only honors history but positions our region for future growth. It’s a tangible symbol of interstate cooperation and a boost to tourism—because all roads really do lead to the river.”
Diana Fuchs, Marketing & Entertainment Director at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino, on behalf of the Laughlin family:
“The Laughlin family is deeply touched by the naming of the bridge in Don’s honor. Don believed in this community with his whole heart, and he worked tirelessly to turn a remote stretch of riverbank into something extraordinary. Having the bridge bear his name is a fitting tribute to the man who helped connect this town—not just by road, but by vision.”
Signing Ceremony Attendees:
– AZ State Senator Hildy Angius
– NV Assemblywoman Danielle Gallant
– Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft
– Mark Moskowitz, South County Liaison, Office of Commissioner Naft
– Carrie Larson, Executive Director – Laughlin Chamber of Commerce
– Diana Fuchs, Marketing & Entertainment Director – Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
– Ben Willett, Graphics Manager – Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
