WHEREAS, Representative Murtha was Pennsylvania's longest serving member of Congress who was a political powerhouse and mentor in the US House of Representatives whose work greatly benefited Philadelphia and the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Representative Murtha spent his 36 years in Congress working with both Democrat and Republican members and leadership alike to broker deals and help shape policy; and
WHEREAS, As chairman to the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, Representative Murtha helped direct funding to his district and across the Commonwealth. He was a central figure in federal spending decisions across the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, While Representative Murtha left a legacy of public service, one area particularly near and dear to Philadelphia is the preservation of the Philadelphia Navy Yard; and
WHEREAS, Representative Murtha is solely responsible for saving this notable asset by delaying the Navy's closure of the yard and having the vision to incorporate and attract private development to this area; and
WHEREAS, Representative Murtha's support and foresight into the Navy Yard's future potential has helped to create an unique opportunity for business attraction and development in Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby urge PIDC to rename the Philadelphia Navy Yard as the Honorable John P. Murtha Navy Yard.
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