Brief Description: Requesting that the new Tacoma Narrows bridge be named the Bob Oke bridge.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen, Swecker, Kilmer, Hobbs, McCaslin, Morton, Rockefeller, Delvin, Kastama, King, Hatfield, Zarelli, Prentice, Fairley, Weinstein, Schoesler, Spanel, Eide, Tom, Brandland, Kauffman, Parlette, Regala, Hewitt, Oemig, Hargrove, Rasmussen, Haugen, McAuliffe, Shin, Kohl-Welles, McDermott, Marr, Keiser, Pridemore, Sheldon, Kline and Franklin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation:1/31/08 [DPS, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Joint Memorial No. 8026 be substituted therefor, and the substitute joint memorial do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Delvin, Holmquist, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Sheldon and Spanel.

Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senator Benton.

Staff: Hayley Gamble (786-7452)

Background: Current law authorizes the Washington Transportation Commission (Commission) to name or re-name state transportation facilities, such as state highways, bridges, and ferry terminals.

The entity or person requesting the naming must provide evidence, as determined by the Commission, indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal. Historically, the Legislature passing a memorial in support of a naming proposal has been considered by the Commission as a measure of community support.

The Commission typically holds public hearings on naming proposals to collect additional input from residents, elected officials and other groups who represent the area encompassing the transportation facility to be named.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee was not considered.

SUMMARY OF BILL (Recommended Substitute): The Legislature requests that the Commission name the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge the "Bob Oke Bridge".

In its message to the Transportation Commission, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Washington State Department of Transportation, the memorial recognizes the service of Senator Bob Oke to his county, the state, and his contributions to the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Substitute Bill: PRO: Before the new bridge, Senator Oke received calls complaining about traffic on the bridge; now his household gets positive calls about the bridge, and traffic is greatly improved. Senator Oke was not afraid to confront opposition to the bridge. Senator Oke wanted this bridge to improve safety and save lives. There are several other bridges named after people in this state.

CON: There is not community support and acceptance for renaming the Narrows Bridge. Eighty percent of voters in the Gig Harbor area voted against the bridge project.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Judy Oke; Tom Derby; Trent England; Terry Lee; Jim Zimmerman, Office of Lt. Governor; Rick Flaherty; Duke Schaub, Association of General Contractors.

CON: Randy Boss.