Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee
HJM 4001
Brief Description: Requesting the transportation commission to designate a section of Interstate 5 the Cowlitz County Deputy Sheriff Justin DeRosier memorial highway.
Sponsors: Representatives Orcutt, Walsh, McEntire, Abbarno, Christian and McClintock.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requests the Washington State Transportation Commission to commence proceedings to designate a section of Interstate 5 in Cowlitz County as the "Cowlitz County Deputy Sheriff Justin DeRosier Memorial Highway."
Hearing Date: 2/9/23
Staff: Christine Thomas (786-7142).
Background:

State Highway Facility Naming.

The Washington State Transportation Commission (Commission) is responsible for naming state transportation facilities, including state highways, bridges, rest areas, and other state highway facilities.  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."

 

For the Commission 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, support from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and supportive action from a local organization such as a chamber of commerce.

 

If a naming request is submitted for a person who has recently died, the Commission does not act on the request for at least 12 months after the date of passing to allow for a respectful period of mourning and reflection.

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 in naming a state transportation facility, the WSDOT designs and installs the appropriate signs.

 

Cowlitz County Deputy Sheriff Justin DeRosier.

Deputy Sheriff Justin DeRosier served with the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office for three years and had previously served with the Whitman County Sheriff's Office for three years.  On April 13, 2019, Deputy DeRosier was shot in the line of duty and passed away shortly after midnight on April 14, 2019.
Summary of Bill:

The bill requests that the Commission commence proceedings to name the section of Interstate 5 that traverses Cowlitz County from milepost 20.3 to milepost 57.13 the "Cowlitz County Deputy Sheriff Justin DeRosier Memorial Highway."
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: