BILL NUMBER: S5003A
SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to rededicating
the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson bridge to Franklin and Eleanor
Roosevelt
 
PURPOSE:
To honor both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt by designating the Franklin
Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge as the "Franklin and Eleanor Roose-
velt Mid-Hudson Bridge".
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 526-c of the Public Authorities Law by provid-
ing that the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge shall be dedi-
cated to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Provides that the chairperson of the NYS Bridge Authority shall be
responsible for the installation and maintenance of adequate signage
within such time and manner as they shall deem appropriate. Further-
more, provides that this designation shall be of a ceremonial nature to
avoid confusion and to limit any possible disruption of commerce.
Section 2 sets forth the effective date which is immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Few couples have left such an enduring mark on American history as
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, whose partnership played a role not only
in cultivating a community in New York's Hudson Valley, but in shaping
the future of our great nation. In her role as first lady, Eleanor was a
beloved pioneer in her own right and has long been the paragon of the
position since her tenure. A trailblazer for women in politics, she set
the standard, being the first to regularly hold press conferences, write
a daily newspaper column, speak at a national party convention and more.
The Roosevelts were fierce allies, and their status as political part-
ners was also highlighted by Eleanor being the first lady to be included
as part of a presidential memorial. Despite being both personal and
political partners, however, according to archivists at the Franklin D.
Roosevelt Presidential Library, nothing in the United States is named
after both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt together. Prior to his
election as President of the United States, FDR, a Hyde Park native,
served as Governor of New York State. As Governor, FDR led the famous
parade opening the Mid-Hudson Bridge, later renamed as the Franklin
Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge, alongside his beloved wife Eleanor.
This legislation would honor the contributions of two of the most influ-
ential 20th century Americans and highlight the role that they played in
our community and in our country together.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S4669 Referred to transportation.
2021-22: S3938 Referred to transportation.
2020: S.7836A Referred to Transportation.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.