Senate Bill S7836A

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S7836A

SPONSOR: SERINO
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the ceremo-
nial designation of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson bridge as
the "Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge"

 
PURPOSE:

To honor both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt by designating the Franklin
Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge as the "Franklin and Eleanor Roose-
velt Mid-Hudson Bridge".

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Provides that the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge
shall be designated as the "Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Mid-Hudson
Bridge". Provides that the chairperson of the NYS Bridge Authority shall
be responsible for the installation and maintenance of adequate signing
              

within such time and manner as they shall deem appropriate. Furthermore
provides that this designation shall be of a ceremonial nature so as to
avoid confusion and to limit any possible disruption of commerce.

Section 2: Provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Few couples have left such an enduring mark on American History as
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, whose partnership played a role not only
in cultivating a community in New York's Hudson Valley, but in shaping
the future of our great nation. In her role as first lady, Eleanor was a
beloved pioneer in her own right and has long been the paragon of the
position since her tenure. A trailblazer for women in politics, she set
the standard, being the first to regularly hold press conferences, write
a daily newspaper column, speak at a national party convention and more.

The Roosevelts were fierce allies, their status as political partners
was also highlighted by Eleanor being the first lady to be included as
part of a presidential memorial. Despite being both personal and poli-
tical partners, however, according to archivists at the Franklin D.
Roosevelt Presidential Library, nothing in the United States is named
after both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt together.  Prior to his
election as President of the United States, FDR, a Hyde Park native,
served as Governor of New York State. As Governor, FDR led the famous
parade opening the Mid-Hudson Bridge, later renamed as the Franklin
Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge, alongside his beloved wife Eleanor.
This legislation would honor the contributions of two of the most influ-
ential 20th century Americans, and highlight the role that they played
in our community and in our country together.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.