HJM 4017

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HJM 4017

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 Passed House:
March 8, 2007

Brief Description: Naming portions of Highways 112 and 113 the Korean War Veteran's Blue Star Memorial Highway.

Sponsors: By Representatives Kessler and VanDeWege.

Brief History:

Transportation: 2/21/07 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/8/07, 98-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requests that the Washington State Transportation Commission commence proceedings to name Highway 113 in Clallam County between the junction of Highway 101 and the junction of Highway 112, and Highway 112 from the junction of Highway 113 to the Makah Indian Reservation in Neah Bay the "Korean War Veteran's Blue Star Memorial Highway(s)."

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 24 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Campbell, Curtis, Dickerson, Eddy, Hailey, Hankins, Hudgins, Kristiansen, Lovick, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.

Staff: Harvey Childs (786-7322).

Background:

Under current policy, the Transportation Commission is responsible for naming transportation facilities. The policy states that community support shall be measured, preferably, through a resolution or memorial adopted by the Legislature.

Summary of Bill:

The memorial recognizes the following in its message to the Secretary of Transportation, to the Washington State Transportation Commission, and to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The Legislature finds that:

the Korean War erupted on June 24, 1950, when the North Korean Army invaded the Republic of South Korea;
President Harry S. Truman ordered the United States forces to defend South Korea;
2.5 million men and women of our armed forces, 122,000 from Washington, met the test, fighting in harsh terrain and extremes of weather, in battles and actions;
528 Washington residents and five Clallam County residents were killed in action between 1950 and 1953, and over 40 known men had been missing in action or held as prisoners of war;
33,629 members of the United States armed forces lost their lives between 1950 and 1953;
2,000 United States service members have died as a direct result of responding to one of the 40,479 hostile incidents or breaches since the truce has been signed; and
it is appropriate to honor the service and sacrifice of Washington Korean War Veterans who served the nation in that war with such valor and distinction.

The Legislature requests that copies of this memorial be immediately transmitted to the Secretary of Transportation, the Washington State Department of Transportation, and the Washington State Transportation Commission, and that the Transportation Commission commence proceedings to name Highway 113 in Clallam County between the junction of Highway 101 and the junction of Highway 112, and Highway 112 from the junction of Highway 113 to the Makah Indian Reservation in Neah Bay the "Korean War Veteran's Blue Star Memorial Highway(s)."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) There were over 2.5 million men and women of our armed forces, and over 122,000 from Washington who served in Korea, of which 528 lost their life. Naming this highway in honor of the Korean War Veterans will provide maximum gain for minimum cost - only four signs noting the name of the highway will be required. Naming this highway will not only honor the Korean War veterans, but also teach our youth about the war.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Kessler, prime sponsor; and Gerald Rettela and Donald Roberts, Korean War Veterans Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: Donald McClure, Korean War Veterans Association.