Designates NY route 781/future interstate highway 781 as the Paul Cerjan Memorial Highway

2 Co-sponsors

• Joseph A. Griffo
• William J. Larkin Jr.

BILL NUMBER:S7631B

Title of bill

An act to amend the highway law, in relation to the designation of a portion of the state highway system

Purpose

To designate the interstate highway 781 as the "Paul Cerjan Memorial Highway."

Summary

Section 1 amends the highway law by adding a new section, 342-ccc in order that interstate highway 781 be designated as the "Paul Cerjan Memorial Highway."

Section 2 directs the commissioner of the department of transportation to provide for "Paul Cerjan Memorial Highway" signage.

Section 3 provides the enacting clause.

Justification

This legislation would celebrate the late US Army Lieutenant General Paul G. Cerjan's contribution to the Nation, New York, the North Country and Fort Drum.

Born in Rome, New York and a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, Paul Cerjan served our Nation for 34 distinguished years rising to the rank of Lieutenant General. He had many important assignments in peace and war. He left his mark on them all but none as permanently as Fort Drum, New York, home of the 10th Mountain Division, the Army's most deployed division.

As the Assistant Division Commander for Support of the 10th Mountain Division (1985 - 1988), he was responsible for the planning, programming and the execution of a $1.2 Billion construction project which transformed Fort Drum from a small reserve training center to a world class power projection platform. His vision, knowledge of the Department of Defense military construction process and understanding of the Corps of Engineers policies and procedures enabled the General to bring the project to completion on time, to standard and under budget. He, more than anyone involved during that time, laid the foundation for the Fort Drum we know today.

After retirement in 1994 he continued to contribute to our Nation, New York, the North Country and Fort Drum in the defense and educational communities. As CEO of several organizations in direct support of Soldiers in combat, he spent several years in the combat theaters of Iraq and Kuwait. He also served as President of three Universities, helping to shape the minds and values of America's future leaders.

Lieutenant General Cerjan's love of the North Country and the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division strengthened over the years. He remained actively involved with the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division and was the co-chair of the 10th Mountain Division Scholarship Fund.

On June 5th, 2012, the Jefferson County Board of Legislators unanimously approved a resolution expressing support for the naming of the Interstate Highway 81 Fort Drum Connector as the "Paul Cerjan Memorial Highway".

Naming the Interstate Highway 81 Fort Drum Connector as the "Paul Cerjan Memorial Highway" would be a fitting tribute to his many contributions to our Nation, New York, the North Country and Fort Drum. When completed, this highway will provide a safer, faster and environmentally greener passage from the main North-South route of travel to the home of the 10th Mountain Division for the Soldiers, their family members and others going to or from Fort Drum. It will also enhance the rapid deployment capability of America's only East Coast Light Infantry Division. Thus, the "Paul Cerjan Memorial Highway" would be symbolic of what Paul Cerjan's life, in and out of uniform, was all about.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None. Current project costs will cover the signage.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.