S4754

An Act designating a portion of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor in honor of James Francisco and Walter Schmidt.

Whereas, James Leonard Francisco was born on February 18, 1948 and grew up in Laurence Harbor, New Jersey before beginning his tour in the United States Army in December 1968 holding the rank of Private First Class in the light weapons infantry where he was attached to the 9th Infantry Division, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, D Company; and

Whereas, Mr. Francisco was killed in action during the Vietnam War in South Vietnam on February 5, 1969; and

Whereas, Mr. Francisco is remembered as a Purple Heart recipient who died protecting his country; and

Whereas, Walter James Schmidt was born on January 15, 1944 in Laurence Harbor, New Jersey and served in the United States Army where he attained the rank of Specialist 4 and was attached to Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry and received the Silver and Purple Star; and

Whereas, On November 8, 1966, Mr. Schmidt was killed in action in South Vietnam; and

Whereas, Mr. Schmidt was awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action against a hostile force while participating in Operation Attleboro; and

Whereas, For their service to their country and this State, it is fitting and proper for the Legislature of the State of New Jersey to honor the lives of James Francisco and Walter Schmidt by designating the portion of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor as the “James Francisco and Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway”; now, therefore,

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The Commissioner of Transportation shall designate the portion of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor, extending from milepost 45.37 to milepost 47.26, as the “James Francisco and Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway” and erect appropriate signs bearing this designation and dedication.

2. State or other public funds shall not be used for producing, purchasing, or erecting signs bearing the designation established pursuant to section 1 of this act. The Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to receive gifts, grants, or other financial assistance from private sources for the purpose of funding or reimbursing the Department of Transportation for the costs associated with producing, purchasing, erecting, and maintaining signs bearing the designation established pursuant to section 1 of this act and entering into agreements related thereto, with private sources, including but not limited to non-governmental non-profit, educational, or charitable entities or institutions. Work shall not proceed and funding shall not be accepted by the Department of Transportation until an agreement has been reached with a responsible party for paying the costs associated with producing, purchasing, erecting, and maintaining the signs.

3. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This bill designates the portion of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor as the “James Francisco and Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway” to honor the service of Mr. Francisco and Mr. Schmidt. The Legislature honors Mr. Francisco and Mr. Schmidt for their service to their country and the people of the State of New Jersey.

Consistent with Department of Transportation policy and other road designations, the bill provides that State or other public funds are not to be used for producing, purchasing, or erecting signs bearing the designation for the “James Francisco and Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway.” The Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to receive financial assistance from private sources for the costs associated with producing, purchasing, erecting, and maintaining signs bearing the designation. The Department of Transportation is not permitted to proceed with implementing the bill until an agreement is reached with a responsible party for the costs to produce, purchase, and maintain the signs.