NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8497
SPONSOR: Kay TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the highway law, in relation to dedicating a portion of
the state highway system to Lieutenant Roland "The Gator" Ward
PURPOSE:
Dedicating a portion of the state highway system in the Town Of Falls-
burg, County of Sullivan, from the intersection of State Route 42 (Main
Street) and Railroad Plaza extending to 5286-5288 Main Street and shall
be dedicated to "Lieutenant Roland 'The Gator' Ward".
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
The Commissioner of Transportation shall provide for the installation
and maintenance of adequate signing of the state highway system as
designated pursuant to Section One of this act. However, to avoid
confusion and to limit any possible disruption of commerce, the desig-
nation called for pursuant to section one of this act shall be one of
the ceremonial natural and the official name of such highway shall not
be changed as a result of this act.
JUSTIFICATION:
Roland "The Gator" Ward was a resident of the Town of Fallsburg for over
six decades and made history as the first African American to become a
Lieutenant at the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. In addition to his
law enforcement work, he devoted much of his life to advocating for
justice and equality as a Sullivan County Human Rights Commissioner,
where he worked tirelessly to promote fairness, protect civil rights,
and strengthen community relations. His life's work and dedication to
uplifting others have solidified his place as a true community hero. He
exemplified the true spirit of public service, giving countless hours to
ensure the safety, well-being, and unity of our county. His tireless
efforts went beyond the call of duty, reflecting a deep love for the
community he served with integrity, grit, and compassion. Naming this
highway after Lieutenant Roland "The Gator" Ward is not only a tribute
to his remarkable legacy but a daily reminder to all who travel it of
the profound impact one individual can have through selfless service.
Let this designation stand as a lasting symbol of our gratitude and a
beacon of inspiration for future generations.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Effective Immediately.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
8497
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
May 20, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. KAY -- read once and referred to the Committee on
Transportation
AN ACT to amend the highway law, in relation to dedicating a portion of
the state highway system to Lieutenant Roland "The Gator" Ward
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The highway law is amended by adding a new section 344-r to
2 read as follows:
3 § 344-r. Portion of the state highway system to be dedicated to Lieu-
4 tenant Roland "The Gator" Ward. All that portion of the state highway
5 system constituting a portion of state route 42 in the town of Falls-
6 burg, county of Sullivan, from the intersection of state route 42 and
7 Railroad Plaza to 5286-5288 Main Street, shall be dedicated to Lieuten-
8 ant Roland "The Gator" Ward.
9 § 2. The commissioner of transportation shall provide for the instal-
10 lation and maintenance of adequate signing of the state highway system
11 pursuant to section one of this act. However, to avoid confusion and to
12 limit any possible disruption of commerce, the dedication called for
13 pursuant to section one of this act shall be one of ceremonial nature
14 and the official name of such highway shall not be changed as a result
15 of this act.
16 § 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13052-01-5
