BILL NUMBER: S8856

SPONSOR: YOUNG
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the highway law, in relation to desig-
nating a portion of the state highway system as the "Staff Sergeant
David Textor Memorial Highway"

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

Designates State Route 394 between the town of Kennedy and the village
of Falconer, County of Chautauqua, as the "Staff Sergeant David Textor
Memorial Highway."

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends the highway law by adding a new section 344-h, which
designates State Route 394 between the Town of Kennedy and the Village
of Falconer, county of Chautauqua, as the "Staff Sergeant David Textor
Memorial Highway."

Section 2: States that the commissioner of transportation shall provide
              

for the installation and maintenance of adequate signing of the state
highway systems as designated pursuant to section 1 of this act. The
designation will be for ceremonial purposes only, and the roads official
name will not be changed as a result of this act.

Section 3: Provides that the act shall take effect immediately.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Staff Sergeant David Textor served his nation in Iraq assigned to the
United States Army's Company A, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group
(Airborne). Staff Sergeant Textor tragically lost his life in service to
our country on July 15, 2008 while conducting combat operations in
Mosul, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Textor began the Special Forces Qualifica-
tion Course in May 2005, and he earned the coveted "Green Beret" in
November 2006. Staff Sergeant Textor's awards and decorations include
the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign
star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Develop-
ment Ribbon with Numeral "2" device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas
Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge,
Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Special Forces Tab.

Staff Sergeant Textor was a native of Chautauqua County and attended
Randolph Central High School where he competed in football, wrestling,
and track. The Chautauqua County Legislature has expressed its desire to
honor Staff Sergeant Textor. The Chautauqua County Legislature, by unan-
imous vote, adopted a formal resolution requesting this legislation. The
dedication of State Route 394 between the Town of Kennedy and the
Village of Falconer, is but one small way for this state to honor the
bravery, dedication and ultimate sacrifice of this brave American hero.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.