HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5

(By Delegates Caputo, Manchin, Fragale and Longstreth)




Requesting the Division of Highways to name the new Watson Bridge over the West Fork River on U.S. Route 250 in Fairmont, Marion County, West Virginia, the "Watson Senior Citizens Bridge in Honor of Jim Costello".

Whereas, Jim Costello was born in Monongah, Marion County, June 26, 1923, one of seven children, the son of John Costello, a coal miner, and Amanda Dee Swisher Costello, a midwife, and he passed away on June 7, 2002, leaving a wife, Evelyn Muto Costello, a daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Marc Cervo, son and daughter-in-law, Pat and Jenni Costello, a sister, Margaret Biafore, four grandchildren, Cara Hose and her husband, Steve Hose, Ryan, Brett and Jessica Costello; and
Whereas, Jim Costello served in the United States Navy during World War II and saw action in the South Pacific Theater on a PT boat. He also worked as a coal miner and completed 35 years of service at the Owen-Illinois Glass Plant serving as president of Local Union No. 109; and
Whereas, Jim Costello served as a supervisor for the West Virginia Department of Highways and during that time, he was instrumental in overseeing many projects for Marion County. He oversaw the removal of the dangerous curve at Dakota and the replacement of the current Watson Bridge structure in addition to many other highway projects; and
Whereas, Jim Costello was a strong Democrat and was involved with the Democratic Party serving on the executive committee and as precinct captain. He was the Marion County coordinator of several gubernatorial campaigns and was honored in 1997 as the Democrat of the year in Marion County; and
Whereas, It is fitting that the Watson Bridge be named for this true West Virginian who dedicated his life to improving Marion County and this state; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Division of Highways to name the new Watson Bridge over the West Fork River on U.S. Route 250 in Fairmont, Marion County, West Virginia, the "Watson Senior Citizens Bridge in Honor of Jim Costello"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways provide and erect signs at either end of the bridge displaying the name "Watson Senior Citizens Bridge in Honor of Jim Costello"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates is hereby directed to forward a copy of this Resolution to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and to the family of Jim Costello.