Designating the State Route Number 3 overpass at the junction of Chico Way NW in Bremerton as the Joe Mentor memorial overpass.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Drew MacEwen

Designates the SR 3 overpass at Chico Way NW in Bremerton as the Joe Mentor memorial overpass and directs WSTC/WSDOT to implement signage, no funding.

Senate Rules "X" file.

Overview

SJM 8009 is a joint memorial in the Washington State Senate (introduced January 15, 2025) requesting the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to designate the State Route 3 overpass at the junction of Chico Way NW in Bremerton as the Joe Mentor memorial overpass. The memorial is sponsored by Senator MacEwen (primary). The measure is classified as a Joint Memorial and is currently in the Senate Rules “X” file after advancing through Transportation in the 2025 Regular Session.

Purpose and intent

To honor Joe Mentor for his extensive public service and community leadership in Kitsap County.

Specifically, to designate and designate signage for the SR 3 overpass at Chico Way NW in Bremerton as the “Joe Mentor memorial overpass.”

The memorial directs the WSTC and WSDOT to commence proceedings to carry out this designation, consistent with agency naming processes.

Key provisions and changes

The memorial designates the SR 3 overpass at the junction of Chico Way NW in Bremerton as the Joe Mentor memorial overpass.

It directs the Washington State Transportation Commission and the Washington State Department of Transportation to commence proceedings to implement this designation (signage and related actions as per agency processes).

It does not include any funding appropriations or fiscal provisions; it is a naming designation request.

Copies of the memorial are to be transmitted to the WSTC, the Secretary of WSDOT, and the WSDOT itself.

Who/what is affected

Agencies: Washington State Transportation Commission and Washington State Department of Transportation.

Local area: Bremerton area (State Route 3 overpass at Chico Way NW).

Community stakeholders: Joe Mentor’s family and the Kitsap County community, along with supporters who advocated for recognizing Mentor’s contributions.

Procedural/timeline aspects

Introduced: January 15, 2025.

First reading: January 15, 2025; referred to Senate Committee on Transportation.

Public hearing: February 6, 2025 (Senate Committee on Transportation).

Executive action in Transportation: February 13, 2025 (Majority: do pass; Minority: without recommendation).

Rules Committee: February 17, 2025 (to Rules); February 19, 2025 (placed on second reading by Rules Committee).

Status: Senate Rules “X” file as of March 17, 2025.

About Joe Mentor (biographical context)

Born 1933; long-time Kitsap County resident (1936–2003).

Real estate developer and builder; owned properties in Bremerton, Port Orchard, Silverdale, Poulsbo.

Developed Eldorado Hills housing development; received national recognition.

Public service: two-term Washington State Representative (1968–1972).

Involvement in business and civic organizations (Kitsap County Bank Board, Olympic College Board of Trustees, local Chambers of Commerce, Kitsap Building Association, NAACP, Boy Scouts, Kitsap Transit, etc.).

Community contributions as a volunteer and leader across numerous local organizations and initiatives.

Summary assessment

SJM 8009 serves to formally honor Joe Mentor by memorializing a specific transportation overpass in Bremerton. It targets recognition through agency processes administered by WSTC and WSDOT, with no associated budget or statutory funding changes. If the memorial progresses, expect signage designation and any standard commemorative naming actions per state procedures.

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