The region of southeast Missouri that includes the South County area of St. Louis county and the counties of Jefferson, Franklin, Crawford, Dent, Shannon, Oregon, Ste. Genevieve, Washington, St. Francois, Madison, Iron, Perry, Wayne, Reynolds, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Scott, Mississippi, Stoddard, Ripley, Butler, Carter, New Madrid, Pemiscot, and Dunklin shall be designated the “Stars and Stripes Historic Region of Missouri”. The department of transportation may place suitable markings and informational signs in the designated areas. Costs for such designation shall be paid by private donation.