NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A1129
SPONSOR: Rodriguez TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the public authorities law, the envi-
ronmental conservation law and the highway law, in relation to memorial-
izing Robert F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Pedro Albi-
zu Campos by renaming certain spans of the Triborough bridge after such
men
PURPOSE:
This bill acknowledges the great contribution of Robert F. Kennedy, Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos to the State of New
York and our great nation by renaming certain spans of the Triborough
Bridge after such men.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFICATION PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill recites the legislative findings and intent to
formally acknowledge the contribution made by Robert F. Kennedy, Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos.
Section 2 through 12 of the bill amend the sections of law in which the
name "Triborough Bridge" appears in order to rename the bridge - which
constitutes a series of spans and association structures that connect
the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx. The bridge over the
East River from the borough of Queens to the borough of Manhattan and
the Bronx, over and across Ward's island and Randall's island in said
river, shall be known as the "Robert F. Kennedy Bridge"; over the East
river from Randall's Island in said river to the borough of Manhattan,
shall be known as the "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge"; and over the
Bronx Kill from Randall's Island in said river to the borough of the
Bronx, shall be known as the "Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Bridge".
Section 13 of the bill provides that occurrences of the name "Triborough
Bridge" in laws, regulations, contracts, and other documents, such
references or designation shall be deemed to refer to the Robert F.
Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos bridg-
es, collectively, and no such laws, regulations, contracts or other
documents shall be thereby impaired in any way.
Section 14 of the bill addresses issues regarding the signage of the
Robert F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos
bridges.
Section 15 provides that the bill becomes effective immediately.
EXISTING LAW:
Existing law designates the series of spans and association structures
that connect the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx as the
"Triborough Bridge."
JUSTIFICATION:
The legislature recognizes Robert F. Kennedy by renaming after him a
span of the Triborough Bridge, as a tribute befitting his historic
contribution to the state of New York and the nation. Robert F. Kennedy
represented the state of New York in the United State Senate with great
distinction, from 1965 until his untimely death in 1968, working tire-
lessly to improve the lives of New Yorkers, fighting poverty and advanc-
ing the civil rights movement. The state of New York and our entire
nation were further enriched by Robert F. Kennedy's prior service as the
64th Attorney General of the United States, and trusted advisor to the
President. Common throughout his many works was an effort to bridge the
gaps among persons of diverse racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds.
The legislature further recognizes Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr., in the
40th year following his tragic assassination by naming after him a span
of the Triborough Bridge, as a tribute befitting his historic contrib-
ution to the nation. Dr King worked tirelessly to improve the lives of
the citizens of this country, fighting segregation and discrimination
through non-violent protest and advancing the civil rights movement,
until his untimely death in 1968. The state of New York and our entire
nation were enriched by Dr. King's dedication, example and sacrifices.
Common throughout his many works was an effort to bridge the gaps among
person of diverse racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds.
The legislature also recognize Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos, by renaming
after him a span of the Triborough bridge, as a tribute befitting his
historic contributions to the nation of Puerto Rico. Dr. Campos, called
"El Maestro" by all who loved him and valued his leadership. He was the
most prominent Puerto Rican political figure of the 20th century, and
was instrumental in Puerto Rico's fight for independence until his death
in 1965.
It would thus be appropriate to recognize Robert F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos for their life long service
and dedication to the state of New York and our great nation.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: A10709 2008, Referred to Transportation Commit-
tee
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
This legislation will have minimal budgetary impact, owing to the cost
of signage.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
