Maryland Department of Transportation issued the following announcement on May 19.
Governor Larry Hogan Announces Dedication of the US 50 Kent Narrows Bridge to The Honorable R. Clayton Mitchell, Jr.
Honors Former Speaker of the House and Shore Icon
Governor Larry Hogan today honored Eastern Shore native and former Maryland Speaker of the House of Delegates R. Clayton Mitchell, Jr. by dedicating the US 50 Bridge over the Kent Island Narrows in Queen Anne’s County to him. The governor was joined by Comptroller Peter Franchot, Maryland State Treasurer Nancy Kopp, Maryland Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Jim Ports, and former Speaker Mitchell, along with his family, friends, former colleagues from the legislature, and numerous state and local officials.
“Clay Mitchell has devoted his life to public service for the State of Maryland and to serving the people of the Eastern Shore,” said Governor Hogan. “During his 23 years in the legislature, Clay was a tireless advocate for modernized transportation. Like this bridge, Clay Mitchell’s incredible leadership will stand the test of time, and this dedication today will serve as a constant reminder to the people of Maryland of his countless contributions to our great state.”
Mr. Mitchell, a native of Chestertown, Md., began his political career as a Kent County Commissioner in 1966. After serving one term, Mr. Mitchell was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties for more than 20 years. He led the Kent County and Eastern Shore delegations, served as vice chair of the Spending Affordability Committee and co-chair of the Legislative Policy Committee. Mr. Mitchell also served as Speaker of the House.
“I thank the Governor and the citizens of the great State of Maryland for bestowing this honor upon me. I accept this honor along with my family with humility. I especially thank the citizens of my legislative district, who provided me with the opportunity to represent them in Annapolis for over two decades. Without the steadfast support of friends and neighbors, none of this would be possible,” said Mr. Mitchell.
After retiring from public life, Mr. Mitchell, 82, remains involved in his community. He led the Save Our Skipjacks Task Force for the Maryland Commission for Celebration 2000 and has been a member of the Board of Visitors and Governors of Washington College in Chestertown, as well as a director of the Second National Bank of Maryland.
The US 50 Bridge was built in 1990 as part of the overall upgrade of US 50 between the Bay Bridge and Ocean City. It carries an average of 77,000 vehicles a day, with that number increasing considerably during summer months.
Original source can be found here.
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