Dedicates a portion of the state highway system to Major Andrew D. Byers on state route 324 in the town of Clarence.
Summary
This bill amends the New York Highway Law to dedicate a specified portion of State Route 324 in the Town of Clarence, Erie County, to Major Andrew D. Byers. The designated segment runs from Transit Road easterly to Main Street. The bill directs the Commissioner of Transportation to install and maintain signage reading "Highway Dedicated to Major Andrew D Byers."
The measure expressly states that the dedication is ceremonial only and does not change the official name of the highway. It also says the dedication should avoid confusion and any possible disruption of commerce. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Impact
The bill would add a new section 345-d to the Highway Law and require the state Department of Transportation to place and maintain commemorative signs on a portion of State Route 324. It does not alter roadway jurisdiction, traffic rules, or the legal name of the route; its effect is limited to honorary designation and signage in Erie County, affecting state transportation administration and travelers on that corridor.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong support and no recorded opposition: the Assembly Ways and Means Committee advanced the bill 32-0 and the Assembly Rules Committee advanced it 29-0. There are no committee transcripts provided, but the unanimous committee votes suggest the bill was viewed favorably and as noncontroversial.
Contention
The bill’s main built-in point of caution is its explicit statement that the dedication is ceremonial and should not change the official highway name, reflecting concern about avoiding confusion and disruption of commerce. No other substantive objections are reflected in the available record, and the unanimous committee votes indicate little or no visible contention over honoring Major Andrew D. Byers with roadside signage.