COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE

FOR

H. C. R. 35

(By Delegates Ihle, Westfall, Cadle, Hanshaw, Ashley,

                        Sponaugle, P. Smith, Hartman, A. Evans, Campbell and Boggs)

(Originating in the House Committee on Rules)

[February 19, 2015]

Requesting the Division of Highways name a section of United States Route 33 from the Ritchie Bridge in Ravenswood, Jackson County to its intersection with Interstate 79 at Exit 99 in Lewis County, and from where United States Routes 219 and 33 diverge just north of Elkins in Randolph County to the Randolph/Pendleton County line “The Historic Blue-Gray Highway”.

            Whereas, The stretch of United States Route 33 from Ravenswood, Jackson County, east to Weston, Lewis County, has always been known as the Blue-Gray Highway in recognition of its proximity to many battles and skirmishes that took place during the Civil War; and

            Whereas, That stretch of United States Route 33 traverses Jackson, Roane, Calhoun and Lewis Counties; and

            Whereas, 2013 marked the sesquicentennial of West Virginia’s birth as a state; 150 years ago, while the nation was torn apart by the Civil War, West Virginia became America’s 35^th state; and

            Whereas, It is fitting and proper that the Legislature recognize this historic event by officially acknowledging the role played by the area traversed by United States Route 33, known by its residents and visitors as the Blue-Gray Highway; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Division of Highways name a section of United States Route 33 from the Ritchie Bridge in Ravenswood, Jackson County to its intersection with Interstate 79 at Exit 99 in Lewis County, and from where United States Routes 219 and 33 diverge just north of Elkins in Randolph County to the Randolph/Pendleton County line “The Historic Blue-Gray Highway”; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made with counties to reimburse for the cost, and be placed signs identifying the section of United States Route 33 from the Ritchie Bridge in Ravenswood, Jackson County to Weston, Lewis County, and from where United States Routes 219 and 33 diverge just north of Elkins in Randolph County to the Randolph/Pendleton County line, “The Historic Blue-Gray Highway”; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates, forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.