Senate Bill S9481A

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S9481

SPONSOR: HELMING
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the highway law, in relation to dedicating a portion of
the state highway system to American Red Cross Founder Clara H. Barton

 
PURPOSE:

To dedicate a portion of the state highway system to American Red Cross
Founder Clara H. Barton

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends the highway law by adding a new section 343-ee to
dedicate a portion of the state highway system to American Red Cross
Founder Clara H. Barton.

Section 2: Provides that the commissioner of transportation shall
provide for the installation and maintenance of adequate signing of the
state highway system as dedicated pursuant to section one of this act,
              

provided that such signage shall state "Highway Dedicated to American
Red Cross Founder Clara H. Barton", provided that the dedication shall
be one of ceremonial nature and the official name of such highway shall
not be changed as a result of this act.

Section 3: Sets the effective date

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Clarissa (Clara) Harlowe Barton was a pioneer, nurse, educator, and
humanitarian who transformed the delivery of disaster relief and wartime
medical aid in the United States.

Born in 1821, in a small farming community in Massachusetts, Clara began
her career as a teacher. She later worked in the United States Patent
Office as the first women to hold a federal government job.  During the
American Civil War, she found her true calling. Known as the" Angel of
the Battlefield," she personally tended to wounded soldiers on the front
lines and provided much needed supplies, often risking her own life to
save others.

In the 1870s, Barton learned about the recently formed Red Cross humani-
tarian organization in Europe. Upon this discovery, she was determined
to ensure that the United States have its own version of this group.
Clara served as President of the American branch of the society, with
the first local Red Cross Chapter being founded on August 22, 1881, in
the village of Dansville, New York. This very first Chapter still stands
in the Village, preserving her tireless work and legacy.

In honor of her undeniable place in not just New York, but national
history, this legislation dedicates a portion of state route 63 in Dans-
ville, New York, to Clara H. Barton. This dedication is located in the
village where it all began, serving as a reminder of Clara Barton's
lifelong commitment to the humanitarian cause.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

one

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.