This bill designates a portion of Interstate Route 280 in West Orange as the "Governor Brendan Byrne Memorial Highway" to honor the late Governor Brendan T. Byrne for his significant contributions to the state of New Jersey. Governor Byrne, who served two terms from 1974 to 1982, was instrumental in establishing professional sports teams in the Meadowlands and enacting important legislation, including the implementation of the state income tax and the legalization of casino gambling in Atlantic City. The bill recognizes his integrity and dedication to public service, culminating in his passing on January 4, 2018.
To implement this designation, the bill stipulates that the Commissioner of Transportation will oversee the erection of appropriate signs along the highway, specifically from milepost 6.53 to milepost 10.15. Importantly, it prohibits the use of state or public funds for the production, purchase, or installation of these signs. Instead, the Commissioner is authorized to accept financial assistance from private sources to cover these costs, ensuring that an agreement is in place with a responsible party before any work commences.