As we approach Memorial Day weekend, the Division of Highways has been erecting signage for bridge- naming resolutions across the state. Included in these is the Alexander Arbuckle "Abe" McLaughlin Memorial Bridge on Route 12 at the Alta exit that spans across I-64. As the lead sponsor, I was honored to be joined by fellow Delegates Dean Jeffries, Clay Riley, Tom Clark and Chris Pritt in seeing this idea become reality. Congratulations to the McLaughlin family! The full text of HCR 45 is below. HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 45 (By Delegates Campbell, Riley, C. Pritt, T. Clark and Jeffries) [Introduced January 24, 2024; Referred to the Committee on Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then Rules.] Requesting the Division of Highways name Bridge Number: 13-012/00-013.12 () (13A192), (37.86803, - 80.55368) locally known as ALTA MOUNTAIN BRIDGE, carrying WV 12 over I-64 EBL and WBL in Greenbrier County, the "Alexander Arbuckle "Abe" McLaughlin Memorial Bridge". Whereas, Alexander Arbuckle "Abe" McLaughlin, born May 27, 1907, was a son of the late Lee P and Julia B Arbuckle McLaughlin. He was a 51-year resident of Alderson and a member of the Hillsboro Presbyterian Church. He coached five years at Hillsboro High School from 1931 to 1936, and for 26 years at Alderson High School from 1936 to 1961. He was the first athletic director at Greenbrier East High School, retiring in 1968. He was an organizer of the Greenbrier Valley Athletic Conference and served as its President for 20 years. He was a 1931 graduate of West Virginia Tech, then New River State College in Montgomery. He played football there and was a three-year letterman. He was inducted into the West Virginia Sports Writers Hall of Fame in 1965. In addition to his athletic career, he was a farmer and cattleman at Blue Sulphur Springs, WV.; and Whereas, Alexander Arbuckle "Abe" McLaughlin married Virginia Wood in 1937, and they had one son, Alex Jr.; and Whereas, Upon his retirement, after coaching the Alderson High School Football team, it was said of him "no other man in this community has had more influence over his players, students, and friends, and commanded their respect and admiration more than Abe McLaughlin. His fine traits and characteristics were instilled in all of those who had the privilege of his guidance. The words of one of his former players best describe all of our thoughts on his retirement, "His true value and contribution to his fellow man can never be fully rewarded"; Whereas, Alexander Arbuckle "Abe" McLaughlin died September 29, 1987; and Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Alexander Arbuckle "Abe" McLaughlin and his contributions to our state and his community; therefore, be it Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia: That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name Bridge Number: 13-012/00-013.12 () (13A192), (37.86803, -80.55368) locally known as ALTA MOUNTAIN BRIDGE, carrying WV 12 over I-64 EBL and WBL in Greenbrier County., the "Alexander Arbuckle "Abe" McLaughlin Memorial Bridge"; and, be it Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the "Alexander Arbuckle "Abe" McLaughlin Memorial Bridge"; and, be it Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.

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