HOUSE BILL REPORT

HJM 4007

As Reported by House Committee On:

Transportation

Brief Description: Requesting that the Interstate 5 bridges over the Nisqually River be named for and recognize the veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

Sponsors: Representatives Muri, Ryu, Appleton, Sells, Kilduff, Lovick and Barkis.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/1/17, 2/8/17 [DPS].

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 24 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Farrell, Vice Chair; Fey, Vice Chair; Wylie, Vice Chair; Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Harmsworth, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chapman, Gregerson, Hayes, Irwin, Lovick, McBride, Morris, Ortiz-Self, Pellicciotti, Pike, Riccelli, Rodne, Shea, Stambaugh, Tarleton, Van Werven and Young.

Staff: Alyssa Ball (786-7140).

Background:

The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is responsible for naming state transportation facilities, including highways and bridges. The WSTC'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." In order for the WSTC to consider a 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 can provide proof of community support includes a resolution passed by other elected bodies in the impacted area, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) support, and supportive action from a local organization such as a chamber of commerce.

Upon passage of a joint memorial requesting the naming of a facility, the WSTC holds a public hearing prior to taking action. After the WSTC takes final action, the WSDOT designs and installs the appropriate signs.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

The bill requests that the WSTC commence proceedings to name the northbound Interstate 5 (I-5) bridge over the Nisqually River the "Afghanistan Veterans Bridge" and the southbound bridge the "Iraq Veterans Bridge."

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill clarifies that the signage must be in the vicinity of the I-5 bridges, rather than on the bridges, and corrects the conflict titles.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Friends, family members, and veterans would be encouraged that this initiative would carry on the memory of those lost in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. A bridge sign would tell a story that you are entering or leaving an area with a high concentration of people who have served (Joint Base Lewis-McChord), and many of the active service members cross the bridges every day. Many military members stay in the area after serving. This is a simple and low-cost initiative that would mean a great deal to the veterans of the two conflicts. It would recognize thousands of military members and families who live and work in Washington. It was unanimously approved by the Joint Committee for Veterans' and Military Affairs.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Muri, prime sponsor; and Ted Wiocorek and Richard Thomas, Veterans Legislative Coalition.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.