Substituted for: House Bill No. 2780

By Raymond Walker

AN ACT To designate a certain bridge on State Route 68 as the "Thomas M. Burnett Memorial Bridge".

WHEREAS, From time to time, this General Assembly has seen fit to name certain highways and bridges to honor the distinguished memories of those exemplary citizens who, during their lifetimes, contributed significantly to the growth and prosperity of their respective communities; and

WHEREAS, The late Thomas M. Burnett of Grandview in Rhea County was most assuredly one such outstanding citizen; and

WHEREAS, The very epitome of the devoted and concerned professional, Mr. Burnett served with acumen and alacrity as a registered professional surveyor and civil engineer for some forty-five years, and he was a certified water and wastewater operator from 1986 until his death in 1996; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Burnett evidenced his tremendous skills and unflagging devotion to duty as a valuable employee of the Tennessee Department of Transportation for forty-four years; and

WHEREAS, After his retirement, he selflessly contributed his time and efforts to numerous volunteer projects; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Burnett was instrumental in the development of the Grandview Utility District; and

WHEREAS, A distinguished World War II veteran, he was also a devout Christian who served astutely and with conviction as a member, deacon and elder of Northside Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga; and

WHEREAS, He also demonstrated his great heart and civic pride as Treasurer of the Spring City Cemetery from 1961 to 1994; and

WHEREAS, Men of his stature do not often walk among us, and it is most appropriate that we should provide a lasting tribute to his life of purpose and commitment to the greater good; now, therefore,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the bridge that spans White's Creek at the Rhea County - Cumberland County boundary on State Route 68 is hereby designated the "Thomas M. Burnett Memorial Bridge" in respectful memory of this distinguished Tennessean and his many good works.

SECTION 2. The Department of Transportation is directed to erect suitable signs or to affix suitable markers designating such bridge as the "Thomas M. Burnett Memorial Bridge".

SECTION 3. The erection of such signs or markers shall be within the guidelines prescribed by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.