SENATE BILL REPORT

SHJM 4007

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 March 19, 2019

Brief Description: Designating the bridge over the Skookumchuck river on state route number 507 as the Regina Clark memorial bridge.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Orcutt and Appleton).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/06/19, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/18/19.

Brief Summary of Joint Memorial

  • Requests that the bridge over the Skookumchuck River on State Route 507 between milepost 4 and milepost 5 be named the "Regina Clark Memorial Bridge."

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."

There are two processes for initiating the naming of a state transportation facility:

  1. The Legislature may pass a Joint Memorial requesting the WSTC name or rename a facility. Following enactment of a Joint Memorial, the WSTC holds a public hearing as soon as possible to allow for public input prior to taking action.

  2. The Legislature, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), state and local government entities, citizen organizations, or an individual may contact WSTC establishing their interest in a naming. The requesting party must provide sufficient evidence indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal.

After WSTC takes final action, WSDOT designs and installs the appropriate signs.

Regina Clark served in Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was the first Lewis County resident to be killed in Iraq.

Summary of Joint Memorial: WSTC is requested to commence proceedings to name the bridge over the Skookumchuck River on State Route 507 between milepost 4 and milepost 5 the "Regina Clark Memorial Bridge."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Everyone who knew Regina Clark regarded her highly. She was an avid softball player who lived and worked in the community, and served in the armed forces for two tours of duty. She was the first person killed in Iraq from Lewis County. Naming the bridge after her would be a good reminder to everyone that freedom is not free, and of the sacrifices made by military personnel.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Ed Orcutt, Prime Sponsor; Edna Fund, Lewis County Commissioner.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.