SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8005

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.

Brief Summary of Substitute Joint Memorial

Requests that the I-5 bridges over the Nisqually River be named the Afghanistan Veterans Bridge and the Iraq Veterans Bridge.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Joint Memorial No. 8005 be substituted therefor, and the substitute joint memorial do pass.

Signed by Senators King, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Hobbs, Ranking Minority Member; Liias, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cleveland, Fortunato, Hawkins, O'Ban, Takko, Van De Wege, Walsh and Wilson.

Background: The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is responsible for naming state transportation facilities, including highways and bridges. The WSTC naming 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."

The naming process can be initiated by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), state and local governmental entities, citizen organizations, or an individual providing sufficient evidence to the WSTC indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal. Alternatively, the Legislature may pass a Joint Memorial requesting that a facility be named, at which point the WSTC will hold a public hearing to allow for public input. After taking final action, the WSTC will notify WSDOT, and they will design and install the appropriate signs in accordance with state and federal standards.

Summary of Joint Memorial (First Substitute): The WSTC is requested to commence proceedings to name the northbound I-5 bridge over the Nisqually River the Afghanistan Veterans Bridge, and the southbound I-5 bridge over the Nisqually River the Iraq Veterans Bridge.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (First Substitute):

Changes language about the location of the signage indicating the new bridge names.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Joint Memorial: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: Friends, family members, and veterans would be encouraged that this initiative would carry on the memory of those lost in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. A bridge sign would tell a story that you are entering or leaving an area with a high concentration of people who have served (Joint Base Lewis-McChord). Many military members stay in the area after serving. This is a simple and low-cost initiative that would mean a great deal to the veterans of the two conflicts. It would recognize thousands of military members and families who live and work in Washington. It was unanimously approved by the Joint Committee for Veterans' and Military Affairs.