SJ0031 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0031 LRB097 11283 HEP 53314 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, A new bridge carrying Interstate 70 over the Mississippi River connecting East St. Louis and downtown St. Louis, Missouri is under construction; and

WHEREAS, Jerry F. Costello was born September 25, 1949 in East St. Louis; he has served as a U.S. Representative since August 9, 1988; during that time he has made it a priority to boost the local economy by building a new transportation network for the region; he is currently the senior Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and played an instrumental role in securing substantial federal funding for the new Mississippi River bridge; and

WHEREAS, William Lacy "Bill" Clay, Sr. was born April 30, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri; in 1968 he was elected the first African-American U.S. Representative from Missouri; during his time in office he made it a priority to focus on issues affecting his urban constituents and became known as a staunch advocate on behalf of underrepresented populations and issues; he served 16 terms as a U.S. Representative before retiring in 2001; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting to dedicate the new Mississippi River bridge in honor of the veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces as a humble gesture of thanks for the freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that the new bridge carrying Interstate 70 over the Mississippi River connecting East St. Louis and downtown St. Louis, Missouri is designated as the Jerry F. Costello - William Lacy "Bill" Clay Sr. Veterans Memorial Bridge; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name of the Jerry F. Costello - William Lacy "Bill" Clay Sr. Veterans Memorial Bridge; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.