U.S. Army PFC Paul Ralph Bittinger Sr. Memorial Bridge
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 82 requests that the West Virginia Division of Highways name Bridge Number 13-036/03-000.30, locally known as the Can Creek Bridge in Greenbrier County, as the "U.S. Army PFC Paul Ralph Bittinger, Sr. Memorial Bridge." The resolution also asks the Division of Highways to place signs identifying the bridge with that memorial name and to notify the Commissioner of Highways of the Legislature’s request.
The resolution is a commemorative measure honoring Paul Ralph Bittinger, Sr., a Greenbrier County native who served in the U.S. Army during World War II as an anti-tank gun crewman and participated in the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. The bill’s findings emphasize his military service, awards, and connection to the state, and frame the bridge naming as an enduring memorial to his contributions to West Virginia and the nation.
Impact
HCR82 does not change substantive state law or create new regulatory requirements; instead, it expresses the Legislature’s request that the Division of Highways assign a memorial name to a specific bridge and install signage reflecting that designation. Its practical effect is limited to transportation infrastructure naming in Greenbrier County and the associated administrative action by the Division of Highways, with no direct impact on private parties or statewide legal obligations.
Sentiment
The available record shows strong, unanimous support for the resolution. The House adopted HCR82 by a 95-0 vote, and there is no committee transcript indicating opposition or debate. The overall sentiment is respectful and commemorative, reflecting broad agreement that Bittinger’s military service and local ties merit public recognition.
Contention
No notable substantive contention appears in the available materials. Because the measure is a memorial bridge naming resolution, any discussion would likely be limited to the appropriateness of the honoree and the location of the memorial, but the voting record suggests no disagreement. The absence of recorded committee debate and the unanimous House vote indicate the resolution was noncontroversial.