SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8013

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.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Eide, Co-Chair; King, Co-Chair; Hobbs, Vice Co-Chair; Fain, Budget Leadership Cabinet; Angel, Brown, Cleveland, Dansel, Ericksen, Liias, Mullet, O'Ban, Rolfes and Sheldon.

Background: 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.

Summary of Bill: The memorial asks that State Route 395 from the junction with State Route 397 in the vicinity of Pasco to the junction with Interstate 90 be named the Thomas Stephen "Tom" Foley Memorial Highway to honor his service to Washington State. Copies of the memorial must be forwarded to the Secretary of Transportation, the Commission, and WSDOT.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Speaker Foley is one of most successful and influential statesman in the history of Washington State. What better way to honor his service than naming one of the most travelled highways in his former district after him?