BILL NUMBER: S6548

SPONSOR: GALLIVAN
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the highway law, in relation to designating a portion of
the state highway system as the "Staff Sergeant Peter J. Blidy Memorial
Bridge"

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

Designates the bridge on Versailles Plank Road, bridge number 6050680,
crossing Clear Creek, in the town of Collins, county of Erie, as the
"Staff Sergeant Peter J. Blidy Memorial Bridge."

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends the highway law by adding a new section 344-m, which
designates the bridge on Versailles Plank Road, bridge number 6050680,
which crosses the Clear Creek one and one-half miles northeast of Vers-
ailles, in the town of Collins, county of Erie, shall be known as "Staff
              

Sergeant Peter J. Blidy Memorial Bridge."

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 official name
of the bridge will not be changed as a result of this act.

Section 3: Provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Staff Sergeant Peter J. Blidy was a decorated war hero and veteran of
World War II. He was a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, EAMET
Campaign Medal, Silver Star, WWII Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel
Button WWII, Expert Badge with Machine Gun Bar and the Marksman Badge
with Rifle Bar.

In March of 1943, Staff Sergeant Blidy enlisted in the US Army and went
to Fort Bragg for training. He was promoted to Reconnaissance Commander
shortly after completing, his basic training. His unit was deployed to
England on July 22, 1944. From England, SSGT Blidy was sent to Northern
France. On August 20, 1944, under heavy fire SSGT Blidy was able to
safely rescue two of his units injured soldiers at great risk to himself
and was awarded the Silver Star. He served faithfully until his
discharge on October 25, 1945.

This legislation is to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Blidy's honorable
and heroic service.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.