Changes the official name of the Staten Island Expressway to the "POW-MIA Memorial Highway".
Summary
Bill S05585 proposes to officially rename the Staten Island Expressway to the 'POW-MIA Memorial Highway.' This change affects a specific portion of the state highway system located in Richmond County, specifically Route 440 from Outerbridge Crossing to Route 278 and Route 278 from the Goethals Bridge to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The bill also includes amendments to various sections of the highway law and the administrative code of the City of New York to reflect this new designation.
The bill aims to honor the sacrifices of prisoners of war and those missing in action by memorializing their service through the naming of a major highway. The legislation mandates the installation and maintenance of appropriate signage to indicate the new name of the highway, ensuring that the memorialization is visible to the public and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel.
The impact of this bill on state laws includes the formal recognition of the POW-MIA designation in the official state highway system, which may influence future naming conventions for highways and public spaces. It also reflects a broader commitment to honoring veterans and those who have served in the military, potentially setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions.
The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the voting history, which shows a significant majority of support in the Senate. The final passage vote recorded 57 yeas to 1 nay, indicating strong bipartisan support for the measure. This suggests that the bill resonates well with both legislators and the public, emphasizing the importance of honoring military service members.
Notable points of contention may arise from differing opinions on the appropriateness of renaming existing infrastructure versus creating new memorials. However, no specific opposition was documented during the committee discussions or voting, indicating a consensus on the importance of this memorialization effort.
Impact
The bill formally changes the name of the Staten Island Expressway to the POW-MIA Memorial Highway, thereby embedding this recognition into state law. This change not only honors the sacrifices of military personnel but also establishes a framework for how highways may be designated in the future. The amendments to the highway law and the administrative code ensure that the new name is recognized officially and that appropriate signage is installed, enhancing public awareness of the memorial's significance.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around Bill S05585 is highly favorable, with a strong majority of legislators supporting the measure. The voting history reflects this positivity, with a final Senate vote of 57 in favor and only 1 against, indicating broad bipartisan support for honoring veterans through this memorialization effort. The lack of documented opposition further underscores the bill's acceptance among lawmakers.
Contention
While there are no significant points of contention documented in the discussions or votes surrounding the bill, potential debates could arise regarding the renaming of existing highways versus the establishment of new memorials. However, the strong support for the bill suggests that any such concerns have not gained traction among legislators or stakeholders.
Designating a future interchange on K-10 highway as the Kris Norton memorial interchange, a portion of K-5 highway as the Rep Marvin S Robinson memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 160 as the CPL Monte Wayne Forrest memorial highway, a portion of United States highway 77 as the POW MIA memorial highway and bridge No. 82-14-6.88 (026) in Clay county as the POW MIA memorial bridge, and redesignating a current portion of the Harry Darby memorial highway for interstate highway 635.
Designating a portion of United States highway 77 as the POW MIA memorial highway and bridge No. 82-14-6.88 (026) in Clay county as the POW MIA memorial bridge.
Relating to the designation of portions of the state highway system as memorial highways, to certain memorial markers on certain highways, and to the installation of highway signs for certain cultural attractions.
Designating certain bridges on U.S. highway 69 and 18th street expressway in Johnson county as the Representative Robert M Tomlinson memorial bridge, a bridge on interstate 135 in Sedgwick county as the Don Snyder memorial bridge, a portion of interstate 35 as the deputy Sam Smith memorial highway, a portion of U.S. highway 36 as the undersheriff Brandon Gaede memorial highway, a portion of K-49 highway as the Pvt Michael E Gerber memorial highway and redesignating a current portion of the 35th infantry division memorial highway for interstate 35.
Requires underground structural assessment prior to commencing public highway or public transportation projects within close proximity to operating or retired mines.
Transportation; powers and duties of the Turnpike Authority; removing authority to construct certain bridge; authorizing the building of a certain bridge; effective date.