HOUSE BILL REPORT
HJM 4000
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: Requesting that Interstate 5 be named the "Purple Heart Trail."
Sponsors: Representatives Hayes, Seaquist, MacEwen, Rodne, Orwall, Zeiger and Shea.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 1/29/13, 2/4/13 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 26 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Fey, Vice Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Overstreet, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Bergquist, Farrell, Fitzgibbon, Freeman, Habib, Hayes, Johnson, Klippert, Kochmar, Kretz, Kristiansen, Moeller, Morris, Rodne, Sells, Shea, Takko, Tarleton and Zeiger.
Staff: Alyssa Ball (786-7140).
Background:
The Purple Heart Medal is the nation's oldest military medal and is awarded to members of the armed services who have been wounded or killed in action. The Purple Heart Trail was established in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart for the purpose of creating a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges, and other monuments that give tribute to the men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart Trail originates at a monument in Mount Vernon, Virginia. The format varies between states, but sections of the trail have been designated in 45 states and Guam.
The Washington State Transportation Commission (Commission) is responsible for naming state transportation facilities, including highways and bridges. The Commission's 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."
Upon passage of a joint memorial requesting the naming of a facility, the Commission holds a public hearing prior to taking action. After the Commission takes final action, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) designs and installs the appropriate signs.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
The memorial requests that some or all of Interstate 5 from the Canadian border to the Oregon state line be named the "Purple Heart Trail" to honor the service and sacrifice of all who have been killed in action or wounded in combat. Copies of the memorial are to be forwarded to the Secretary of Transportation, the Commission, and the WSDOT.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The original bill requested that all of Interstate 5 be named the "Purple Heart Trail," whereas the substitute bill requests that some or all of it be so designated.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This is a simple yet incredibly meaningful gesture and would especially be a great tribute to those who fought in World War II. Washington is one of two states that does not have a highway, bridge, or other structure named after the Purple Heart. The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is a national veteran's service organization with a current membership of 46,000. There are 60,000 Purple Heart recipients that live in Washington and the state has the eighth highest population of veterans in the country. There is no cost associated with the bill as the MOPH bears the costs of the signs.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Hayes, prime sponsor; and Jim Sims, Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.