Sponsor Statement for HB 246

An Act naming state bridge #1951 the

"George W. Palmer Memorial Bridge"

BILL BASIS

The Matanuska River Bridge, or more commonly referred to as the bridge that goes over the Matanuska River on the Old Glenn Hwy, will soon become a bike path. New bridge construction is taking shape alongside the older structure, where traffic will eventually be rerouted. HB 246 was prepared in compliance with Alaska Statute Section 19.10.085 which require bridge names be given through legislation, and if passed will become Alaska Statute Section 35.40.100. In addition, I have prepared this legislation in response to requests from district constituents and local government.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is an effort underway to name the new structure the "George W. Palmer Memorial Bridge." Spearheading that effort is an energetic ten-year old Palmer resident, Justin Kaucic of Boy Scout Troop 325. Others in support of naming this bridge the George W. Palmer Memorial Bridge are the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, City of Palmer, and 401 Mat-Su Valley residents.

HISTORICAL BASIS

George W. Palmer arrived in Alaska during the year 1875. He operated a trading post in the late 1800's along a bank of the Matanuska River, in fact near the site where the new bridge is to be built. It's been about one hundred years since George used tin lined boxes to protect the post's supplies from bugs and weather along the river, and he is still remembered as resourceful, industrious, and as one of Alaska's early and true pioneers. George died in 1935, but in 1951 when a small Alaska city incorporated, it chose the name of Palmer to reflect its pioneering spirit and the independence of George W. Palmer.

BACK-UP

Matanuska-Susitna Valley governments and residents seek to extend this remembrance to include the new bridge being built near the site of George Palmer's old trading post. I am asking for your support of HB 246 during this final step in the legislative process.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough's Resolution No. 97-008

City of Palmer Resolution No. 1199

Four hundred one (401) Mat-Su Valley resident petition signatures