Acting Governor Scutari today signed S2876, designating the interchange between State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 as the “Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange.”
In 2000, Ensign John R. Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, was a distinguished graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he earned a B.S. with merit in Systems Engineering. A member of the 5th Battalion, John was preparing for Naval Flight Officer School in Pensacola when his life was tragically cut short by a drunk driver on July 22, 2000.
This bill designates the interchange to honor the memory of John R. Elliott. The interchange, which opened in November with two new exit ramps, is expected to improve traffic conditions on local routes and provide a more direct route for travelers.
“This tribute will honor the life and service of Ensign John R. Elliott, an exemplary young man whose life was tragically cut short,” said Acting Governor Scutari. “He was a beloved son, brother, friend and officer who served our country with distinction. His legacy will live on through the selfless work of his family with the HERO campaign, which will help prevent future tragedies and save lives.”
As consistent with New Jersey 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 “Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange.” Instead, the Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to receive financial assistance from private sources for costs associated with producing, purchasing, erecting and maintaining signs bearing the designation.
“Navy Ensign John R. Elliott was tragically killed by a drunk driver and nothing will bring him back,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “Naming this interchange after him will honor John’s memory and bring attention to the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers started by his family so no one else has to suffer a similar tragedy.”
The primary sponsors of S2876/A4127 are Senator Polistina, Senator Cruz-Perez, Assemblyman Guardian, Assemblywoman Swift and Assemblyman Bailey.
"U.S. Naval Academy graduate Ensign John R. Elliott exemplified true leadership and served this country with honor and distinction," said Senator Vincent Polistina. "We are deeply grateful for the Elliott family – parents Bill and Muriel and sister Jenny – for their unwavering dedication to ensure that John's legacy will forever be honored through this meaningful commemoration."
"I am glad to see the Acting Governor provide his signature for this remembrance of Navy Ensign John R. Elliott," said Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez. "I especially want to commend Ensign Elliott's parents for their activism in combating drunk driving."
“John was just 22 and had his whole life ahead of him when it was taken away by an intoxicated driver,” said Assemblyman Don Guardian.
“I know John’s parents visit a granite cross erected at the crash site every July 22,” said Assemblywoman Claire Swift.
"At 22 years old, John R. Elliott's life was tragically cut short by a drunk driver," said Assemblyman Dave Bailey Jr.
“On behalf of our son we are honored by this legislation in his memory,” said Bill Elliott.
