SENATE BILL REPORT
SJM 8012
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 Senate, March 3, 2015
Brief Description: Requesting the designation of U.S. Highway 101 to honor recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Sponsors: Senators Hargrove, King, Hobbs, Hill, Conway and Hatfield.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/16/15 [DP].
Passed Senate: 3/03/15, 48-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators King, Chair; Fain, Vice Chair; Hobbs, Ranking Minority Member; Liias, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cleveland, Habib, Jayapal, Litzow, Miloscia, Pedersen, Rivers and Sheldon.
Staff: Clint McCarthy (786-7319)
Background: Current law authorizes the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) to name or rename state transportation facilities. The process to name or rename a facility can be initiated by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), state and local governmental entities, citizen organizations, or by any individual person. In order for WSTC to consider the proposal, the requesting entity must provide sufficient evidence indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal. This evidence can include a letter of support from the state or federal legislator representing the area encompassing the facility to be renamed. Other evidence that would provide proof of community support includes a resolution passed by other elected bodies in the impacted area, WSDOT support, and supportive action from a local organization such as a chamber of commerce.
Summary of Bill: WSTC is requested to commence proceedings to designate U.S. 101 as the North Olympic Peninsula Medal of Honor Memorial Highway to honor those who served and sacrificed their lives. U.S. 101 from two miles east of the Jefferson and Clallam county line to one mile east of the line in Jefferson County would honor Thaddeus S. Smith. U.S. 101 from one mile east of the Jefferson County line to the Clallam County line would honor Marvin G. Shields. U.S. 101 from one mile west of the Clallam County line to two miles west of the line would honor Richard B. Anderson. Copies of the memorial must be forwarded to the Secretary of Transportation, WSTC, and WSDOT.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is an important gesture to honor recipients of the Gold Star from the Olympic Peninsula. Veterans groups have worked on this bill for over two years.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Ted Wicorek, Dick Marcelynas, Veterans Legislative Coalition; Gerald Rettela, President, Korean War Veterans Assn.; Joan Shields Bennett, citizen.