Designates a portion of state route one hundred fifty-nine in the town of Rotterdam, county of Schenectady, as the "John M. Grassia III Memorial Bridge".
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A2131
SPONSOR: Santabarbara
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the highway law, in relation to designating a portion of
the state highway system as the "John M. Grassia III Memorial Bridge"
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To honor the life and legacy of New York State Trooper John M. Grassia
III, who tragically lost his life on March 8, 2024, while serving as a
National Guard pilot.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: The highway law is amended by adding a new section 344-r,
which states: The bridge on State Route 159 between Kellar Avenue and
South Thompson Street in the town of Rotterdam, county of Schenectady,
shall be designated and known as the "John M. Grassia III Memorial
Bridge."
Section 2: This act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Trooper John M. Grassia III, at the young age of 30, tragically lost his
life during a federal mission with the National Guard when his helicop-
ter crashed near the southern border of Texas.
Trooper Grassia began his service with the New York State Police on
April 4, 2022, and served with honor and distinction. His most recent
assignment was with SP Livingston, Troop K, before transferring to SP
Fonda, Troop G, prior to his deployment.
A dedicated public servant, Trooper Grassia embodied selflessness and
commitment, protecting the people of New York State and serving his
country. His ultimate sacrifice serves as a solemn reminder of the cour-
age and dedication of those who serve in uniform. This legislation seeks
to honor his memory and ensure his contributions are never forgotten by
naming this bridge in his hometown in his honor.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
2131
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 15, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. SANTABARBARA -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the highway law, in relation to designating a portion of
the state highway system as the "John M. Grassia III Memorial Bridge"
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 designated as the
4 "John M. Grassia III Memorial Bridge". The bridge on state route one
5 hundred fifty-nine between Kellar Avenue and South Thompson Street in
6 the town of Rotterdam, county of Schenectady, shall be designated and
7 known as the "John M. Grassia III Memorial Bridge".
8 § 2. The commissioner of transportation shall provide for the instal-
9 lation and maintenance of adequate signing of the state highway system
10 as designated pursuant to section one of this act. However, to avoid
11 confusion and to limit any possible disruption of commerce, the desig-
12 nation called for pursuant to section one of this act shall be one of
13 ceremonial nature and the official name of such bridge shall not be
14 changed as a result of this act.
15 § 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04233-01-5