BILL NUMBER: S6706REVISED 5/30/23

SPONSOR: RHOADS
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the highway law, in relation to designating a portion of
the state highway system as the "Trooper James R. Gohery Memorial
Bridge"

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

Designates all that portion of the state highway system constituting the
Jerusalem Avenue overpass at the Wantagn State Parkway as the "Trooper
James R. Gohery Memorial Bridge".

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends the highway law by adding a new section 344-p, which
designates all that portion of the state highway system constituting the
Jerusalem Avenue overpass crossing the Wantagh State Parkway in the town
of Wantagh, county of Nassau, shall be known as the "Trooper James R.
Gohery 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:

James R. Gohery, a proud father and family man, was a State Trooper
serving at the Bethpage and Wantagh Stations of Troop L who passed away
on December 30th, 1943, while on duty in the village of Freeport. Troop-
er Gohery was in the process of relaying evidence of a crime to the
Wantagh Station. He is survived by his son James and his descendants. In
2016, Troop L named their K-9 "Gohery" in his honor.

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
Gohery's honorable service by memorializing his life and reminding the
public of the sacrifices and contributions of our fallen Troopers.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

S.8927-A of 2021-2022: Passed Senate.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.