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Committee considers extending Martin Luther King Jr. Way along SR 900 and SR 515
Summary
A joint memorial was introduced asking the State Transportation Commission to consider extending the Martin Luther King Jr. Way designation along State Route 900 and the entirety of State Route 515. Supporters described the designation as a symbolic tribute to civil‑rights history and local communities.
Committee staff briefed members Jan. 23 on House Joint Memorial 4000, which would request that the Washington State Transportation Commission begin proceedings to extend the naming of Martin Luther King Jr. Way along a portion of State Route 900 and the entirety of State Route 515.
Chris Thomas, staff to the committee, described the Commission’s process for naming state transportation facilities: a requesting entity must provide evidence showing community acceptance and typically a legislator’s letter of support; the Commission holds a public hearing before taking final action and WSDOT posts signs after approval. Thomas noted the Commission previously approved renaming a portion of SR 900 to Martin Luther King Jr. Way in 1986.
Representative Gregersen introduced the joint memorial and said the naming would be a symbolic tribute that “commemorate[s] both black empowerment and struggle” and serve as a reminder of the civil rights leader’s vision. Gwen Allen Karsten, executive director of the Kent Black Action Commission, testified in support and described the designation as “a meaningful tribute to Doctor King’s enduring legacy of equality, justice, and unity.”
Committee staff said a fiscal note was not requested for the memorial. The committee heard no questions that led to a formal vote on the memorial at the Jan. 23 hearing.
If passed by the Legislature, the memorial would begin the administrative process with the State Transportation Commission; final naming and sign installation would follow the Commission’s public process and WSDOT implementation.
