BILL NUMBER: S291B
SPONSOR: RHOADS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the highway law, in relation to dedicating a portion of
the state highway system to "Trooper Edward L. Cunningham"
 
PURPOSE:
Designates all that portion of the state highway system constituting the
Merrick Road overpass at the Wantagh State Parkway as the "Trooper
Edward L. Cunningham Memorial Bridge"
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: The highway law is amended by adding a new section 344-r to
read as follows:
§ 344-r. Portion of the highway system to be dedicated to "Trooper
Edward L. Cunningham." All that portion of the state highway system
constituting the Wantagh State Parkway overpass at Merrick Road in the
town of Hempstead, county of Nassau, shall be dedicated to "Trooper
Edward L. Cunningham".
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.
 
EXISTING LAW:
New bill.
 
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 here 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.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
To be determined.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.