Christine Thomas (786-7142).
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.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Justin R. Schaffer.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Justin R. Schaffer served with the Washington State Patrol for more than six years. On March 24, 2020, Trooper Schaffer died in the line of duty.
The memorialists of the bill request that the Commission commence proceedings to designate the section of State Route 6 that traverses Lewis County from milepost 45 to milepost 51, as the "Washington State Patrol Trooper Justin R. Schaffer Memorial Highway."
(In support) The untimely death of any individual is horrible, but it is especially horrible when someone who puts on a uniform and experiences dangers every day dies in the line of duty. Washington State Patrol Trooper Schaffer was a hometown boy who was raised, educated, lived, and worked in southwest Washington in communities that he embraced and that embraced him. Trooper Schaffer was killed while deploying stop sticks during a high-speed chase. It is one's worst nightmare to have one of your troopers killed in the line of duty. Trooper Schaffer will always be remembered for his infectious smile and his contributions to the community. Naming this highway will further ensure that he will always be remembered and serve as a reminder of how dangerous the duty of being a state trooper is.
(Opposed) None.
Representative Joel McEntire, prime sponsor; and Jason Linn, Washington State Patrol.