COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE

FOR

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 36

(By Senator Maynard)

Requesting the Division of Highways name the bridge on County Route 5/3, bridge number 24-5/3-3.10 (1030), crossing the Tug River in McDowell County the “Homer Hopkins Bridge”.

            Whereas, Homer Allen Hopkins was born on March 6, 1944, in Bradshaw, McDowell County, and had five siblings. At age one, his family moved to Garland, 8.1 miles north of his birthplace; and

            Whereas, Homer Allen Hopkins graduated from high school in 1962 and enrolled at Nashville Auto Diesel College (now known as Lincoln College of Technology). After college, he returned to Garland. In 1963, he married Joyce. After living briefly in Alexandria, Virginia, he and his wife returned to Garland, where they raised four children; and

            Whereas, Homer Allen Hopkins is known locally for his hard working habits. As a business owner, he created jobs and new opportunities for everyone in and around the community of Garland; and

            Whereas, In July 1975, Homer Allen Hopkins left his employment and opened his own mining business. During his lifetime, he owned approximately 30 coal mines, employing approximately 500 employees; and

            Whereas, In addition to the coal industry, Homer Allen Hopkins owned his own construction business. He was a certified contractor and installed septic systems. He built a total of eleven Dollar General stores throughout West Virginia, including three in his home county of McDowell. In 1985, he built a convenient store/gas station in Garland, known as “Hopkins’ Best-Way,” which was family owned and operated . In 1987, he built “Hoppy’s Skating Rink” on the outskirts of Bradshaw, which brought a new recreational activity to the residents of his community and McDowell County. He was instrumental in building the Marquee Cinemas in Welch, the Iaeger City Hall, and the buildings for the McDowell County Ambulance Authority and the Panther Fire Department. After a flood in 2002, he helped rebuild Iaeger High School’s football field and announcement booth; and

            Whereas, in 1989, Homer Allen Hopkins opened “Bradshaw Auto Parts,” which was the only automotive business in the area; and

            Whereas, Homer Allen Hopkins unselfishly spent his lifetime working for the betterment of his community and McDowell County by serving the needs of the people; and

             Whereas, Homer Allen Hopkins is now 71 years of age and still lives in the home he hand-built as a newlywed on his childhood stomping grounds. He loves to spend time with his very close-knit family, including his four children and five grandchildren who all live within ten minutes of his home; and

            Whereas, Naming the bridge on County Route 5/3, bridge number 24-5/3-3.10 (1030), crossing the Tug River in McDowell County the “Homer Hopkins Bridge” is an appropriate recognition of his contributions to his state, McDowell County and community; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name the bridge on County Route 5/3, bridge number 24-5/3-3.10 (1030), crossing the Tug River in McDowell County the “Homer Hopkins Bridge”; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the “Homer Hopkins Bridge”; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Homer Hopkins and his family.