SENATE BILL REPORT

HJM 4002

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 Senate Committee On:

Transportation, February 26, 2018

Brief Description: Requesting that state route number 395 be named the Thomas S. "Tom" Foley Memorial Highway.

Sponsors: Representatives Riccelli, Clibborn, Johnson, Ormsby, Jinkins, Fitzgibbon, Haler, Reeves, Kilduff, Manweller, Ortiz-Self, Tarleton, Hudgins, Stanford, Chapman, Dolan, Jenkin, Fey and Farrell.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/17, 69-29; 1/22/18, 73-22.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/20/17, 2/21/18, 2/26/18 [DP].

Brief Summary of Joint Memorial

  • Requests that U.S. Route 395 be named the Thomas S. "Tom" Foley Memorial Highway.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Chase, Cleveland, Dhingra, Fortunato, Liias, McCoy, Sheldon, Takko, Walsh, Wellman and Zeiger.

Staff: Erica Bramlet (786-7321)

Background: The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is responsible for naming state transportation facilities. 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: WSTC is requested to commence proceedings to name U.S. Route 395 the Thomas S. "Tom" Foley Memorial Highway.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: Testimony from 2017 Regular Session. PRO: Tom Foley was the first Speaker of the House from west of the mountains, gained the respect of his colleagues, and supported highways and US 395 specifically by helping to procure funding. Past presidents Bush and Obama have commended Tom Foley on his bipartisanship, and local cities and counties have passed resolutions in support of this initiative. Naming the highway after Tom Foley would acknowledge a significant legacy in a small way, connecting forests, fields, small towns, and urban centers much like Tom Foley did. This highway includes the North Spokane Corridor, which was built with bipartisan support over many years, including Tom Foley and the Legislature that passed the Connecting Washington funding package in 2015.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Marcus Riccelli, Prime Sponsor; Michael Moran, Moran Public Affairs LLC; Chris Marr, citizen.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Tom Foley was the first Speaker of the House from west of the mountains, gained the respect of his colleagues, and supported highways and US 395 specifically by helping to procure funding. Past presidents Bush and Obama have commended Tom Foley on his bipartisanship, and local cities and counties have passed resolutions in support of this initiative.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Marcus Riccelli, Prime Sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.