HOUSE BILL REPORT

HJM 4019

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Transportation

Brief Description: Requesting that the South Tacoma Way bridge at exit 127 over I-5 be named the "World War I Veterans Memorial Bridge."

Sponsors: Representatives Muri, Kraft and Young.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/5/18, 2/6/18 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Requests that the South Tacoma Way bridge at Exit 127 over Interstate 5 be named for and recognize veterans of World War I.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 25 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Fey, Vice Chair; Wylie, Vice Chair; Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Harmsworth, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chapman, Gregerson, Hayes, Irwin, Kloba, Lovick, McBride, Morris, Ortiz-Self, Pellicciotti, Pike, Riccelli, Rodne, Shea, Stambaugh, Tarleton, Valdez, Van Werven and Young.

Staff: Jessica Harrell (786-7140).

Background:

The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is responsible for naming state transportation facilities, including highways and bridges. The WSTC's policy states, "A naming is done in a thorough and deliberative manner to honor and institute an enduring memory of a person or group of people who have contributed significantly to the well-being of the state or nation and with the widespread support of the people from the area in which the facility is located." In order for the WSTC to consider a proposal, the requesting entity must provide sufficient evidence indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal. This evidence can include a letter or support from the state or federal legislator representing the area encompassing the facility to be renamed. Other evidence that can provide proof of community support includes a resolution passed by other elected bodies in the impacted area, the Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) support, and supportive action from a local organization such as a chamber of commerce.

Upon passage of a joint memorial requesting the naming of a facility, the WSTC holds a public hearing prior to taking action. After the WSTC takes final action, the WSDOT designs and installs the appropriate signs.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

The substitute bill requests that the WSTC commence proceedings to name the South Tacoma Way bridge at Exit 127 over Interstate 5 the "World War I Veterans Memorial Bridge."

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

In the substitute bill the addressees of the House Joint Memorial are revised, removing the President of the United States and Congress from the list.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This memorial honors the members of the Armed Forces and their contributions. The cost for the memorial signs is very low and the memorialization sign sends a powerful message to the veterans and their families that travel Interstate 5 that the state and its citizens are very thankful for the service of the veterans as well as the sacrifices made by the veterans' families.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Muri, prime sponsor; and Heinz Haskins, Veterans Legislative Coalition.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.