Bill Text: NJ A4886 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates Browning Road Bridge in Bellmawr as "Marine Corps Captain James R. Reese Memorial Bridge."
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)
Status: (Introduced) 2026-05-07 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee [A4886 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2026-A4886-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman WILLIAM F. MOEN, JR.
District 5 (Camden and Gloucester)
SYNOPSIS
Designates Browning Road Bridge in Bellmawr as "Marine Corps Captain James R. Reese Memorial Bridge."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act designating the Browning Road Bridge in the Borough of Bellmawr in honor of United States Marine Corps Captain James R. Reese.
Whereas, James R. Reese was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin in Orange County, California; and
Whereas, On May 6, 1985, while on a tour of duty at the Marine Corps Air Station in Futenma, Japan, Capt. Reese and 16 other Marines were killed in a helicopter crash returning from an air show and open house at Iwakuni, another American base; and
Whereas, Prior to his death, Capt. Reese served as a CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter pilot in the HMH-462 "Heavy Haulers" squadron under the Marine Aircraft Group 16 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing of the Fleet Marine Forces-Pacific; and
Whereas, Capt. Reese was born on March 24, 1958 in Bellmawr, New Jersey to parents Lloyd and Frances Reese and was one of six brothers: Lee, Bill, Michael, Brian, and Thomas; and
Whereas, From a young age, Capt. Reese had a desire to serve his country, which was inspired by his father's service as the Chief of the Bellmawr Park Volunteer Fire Company and by the service of his brothers as volunteer firefighters and members of the Bellmawr Police Department; and
Whereas, Growing up in Bellmawr, Capt. Reese was a well-liked member of his community who became a respected individual for his natural leadership qualities and determined character; and
Whereas, To honor Capt. Reese's service to his country and his impact on the community of Bellmawr, New Jersey, it is fitting and proper for the Legislature of the State of New Jersey to designate the Browning Road Bridge on County Route 659 in the Borough of Bellmawr as the "Marine Corps Captain James R. Reese Memorial Bridge"; now, therefore,
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The Commissioner of Transportation shall designate the Browning Road Bridge on County Route 659 in the Borough of Bellmawr, extending from milepost 0.8 to milepost 0.9, as the "Marine Corps Captain James R. Reese Memorial Bridge."
2. State or other public funds shall not be used for producing, purchasing, or erecting signs bearing the designation established pursuant to section 1 of this act. The Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to receive gifts, grants, or other financial assistance from private sources for the purpose of funding or reimbursing the Department of Transportation for the costs associated with producing, purchasing, erecting, and maintaining signs bearing the designation established pursuant to section 1 of this act and entering into agreements related thereto with private sources, including, but not limited to, non-government non-profit, educational, or charitable entities or institutions. Work shall not proceed and funding shall not be accepted by the Department of Transportation until an agreement has been reached with a responsible party for paying the costs associated with producing, purchasing, erecting, and maintaining the signs.
3. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill designates the Browning Road Bridge in the Borough of Bellmawr as the "Marine Corps Captain James R. Reese Memorial Bridge" to honor the service and memory of Captain James R. Reese, who died in a helicopter crash while on a tour of duty at the Marine Corps Air Station in Futenma, Japan on May 6, 1985.
Consistent with Department of Transportation policy and other road designations, the bill provides that State or other public funds are not to be used for producing, purchasing, or erecting signs bearing the designation for the "Marine Corps Captain James R. Reese Memorial Bridge." The Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to receive financial assistance from private sources for the costs associated with producing, purchasing, erecting, and maintaining signs bearing the designation.
