HJM 4001

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HJM 4001

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 10, 2007

Brief Description: Naming the 172nd Street overpass of Interstate 5 the "Oliver "Punks" Smith Interchange."

Sponsors: By Representatives Pearson, Lovick, Kristiansen, Jarrett and Ericks.

Brief History:

Transportation: 1/22/07, 2/12/07 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/10/07, 97-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requests that the Washington State Transportation Commission commence proceedings to name the 172nd Street overpass of Interstate 5, in the City of Arlington, the "Oliver 'Punks' Smith Interchange."

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 25 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Curtis, Dickerson, Eddy, Ericksen, Hailey, Hankins, Kristiansen, Lovick, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.

Staff: Harvey Childs (786-7322).

Background:

Under current policy, the Washington State Transportation Commission (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 Transportation Commission, and to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The Legislature finds that Oliver "Punks" Smith:

was born in Arlington, Washington in 1935;
ably served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956;
was a co-owner of a sawmill in Preston, Washington, and enjoyed making things out of wood;
was a volunteer firefighter for 25 years, protecting the community he loved;
also served his community on the Arlington Airport Commission;
was a member of the Transportation Relief Action Plan (TRAP) group that sought funding for improvements to the 172nd Street (Smoky Point) overpass of Interstate 5 in Arlington;
through his tireless efforts and other members of the TRAP group, improvements to the 172nd Street overpass on Interstate 5 were recently completed; and
leadership and dedication to Arlington has garnered the respect and appreciation of his community and is deserving of community recognition.

The Legislature requests that copies of this memorial be immediately transmitted to the Secretary of Transportation, the Department of Transportation, and the Transportation Commission and that the Transportation Commission commence proceedings to name the 172nd Street overpass of Interstate 5 in the City of Arlington the "Oliver 'Punks' Smith Interchange."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Oliver "Punks" Smith, who recently passed away, greatly contributed to his community and to the establishment of the new 172nd Street overpass of Interstate 5. The Transportation Commission is encouraged to commence proceedings to name this overpass the Oliver "Punks" Smith Overpass.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Pearson, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.