BILL NUMBER: S8928

SPONSOR: BROOKS
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the highway law, in relation to designating a portion of
the state highway system as the "Trooper Edward L. Cunningham Memorial
Bridge"

 
PURPOSE:

The purpose of this bill is to Designate all that portion of the state
highway system constituting the Bay Parkway overpass at the Wantagh
State Parkway as the "Trooper Edward L. Cunningham Memorial Bridge."

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends the highway law by adding a new section 344-o, which
designates all that portion of the state highway system constituting the
Bay Parkway overpass at the Wantagh State Parkway in the town of
Wantagh, county of Nassau, shall be known as the "Trooper Edward L.
Cunningham 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 2. is the enacting clause.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Trooper Edward L. Cunningham was a four-year veteran of the State Police
and was stationed at SP Valley Stream at the time of his death. On Octo-
ber 10, 1934, he was killed when his vehicle struck an abutment along
the Wantagh Parkway near Jones Beach. Although there were no witnesses
to the accident, investigating officers believe Trooper Cunningham was
in pursuit of a speeding vehicle at the time of the accident. Despite
his tragic death nearly nine decades ago, his legacy is still carried
today by his large and loving family.  Eddy, a K-9 with Troop T, was
named in honor of Trooper Cunningham.

We cannot forget that our State Troopers serve faithfully in the face of
grave danger, with many paying dearly for the safety and comfort we have
come to take for granted. This legislation is to pay tribute to Trooper
Cunningham's honorable service by memorializing his life and reminding
the public of the sacrifices and contributions of our fallen Troopers.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Minimal.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.