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 Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation

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

Sponsors: Representatives Kessler and VanDeWege.

Brief History:

Transportation: 2/21/07 [DP].

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 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.