SENATE BILL REPORT
SJM 8020
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 of February 4, 2020
Brief Description: Requesting the Washington state transportation commission to commence proceedings designating names to certain highways.
Sponsors: Senators Honeyford and King.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/03/20.
Brief Summary of Joint Memorial |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Erica Bramlet (786-7321)
Background: The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is responsible for naming state transportation facilities, including highways and bridges. The WSTC naming 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."
The naming process can be initiated by the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT), state and local governmental entities, citizen organizations, or an individual providing sufficient evidence to the WSTC indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal. Alternatively, the Legislature may pass a joint memorial requesting that a facility be named, at which point WSTC will hold a public hearing to allow for public input. After WSTC takes final action, DOT designs and installs the appropriate signs.
Three highways in the bill have existing names for the following portions:
US 101 for the 4-mile stretch from 2 miles west of the Jefferson and Clallam County line to 2 miles east of the Jefferson and Clallam County line is named the "Medal of Honor Memorial Highway";
all of I-5 is named the Purple Heart Trail; and
all of US 395 is named the Thomas S. "Tom" Foley Memorial Highway.
Summary of Joint Memorial: WSTC is requested to commence proceedings to name five highways around the state as follows:
US 101, except for the 4-mile stretch from 2 miles west of the Jefferson and Clallam County line to 2 miles east of the Jefferson and Clallam County line, as the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq Veterans Memorial Highway;
I-5 as the Korean Veterans Memorial Highway and the Purple Heart Trail;
US 97 as the World War II Veterans Memorial Highway;
US 395 as the World War I Veterans and Thomas S. "Tom" Foley Memorial Highway; and
US 12 as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: A veteran constituent brought this idea forward. It is important that we honor our veterans who have given so much in service to our country.
OTHER: Two of the corridors being named in the bill have existing names. This could cause confusion for the public or devalue the existing names if added onto as the bill does, so the WSTC would likely treat this as a re-naming unless the bill is amended.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jim Honeyford, Prime Sponsor. OTHER: Reema Griffith, Washington State Transportation Commission.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.