The Seattle City Council was presented with and approved legislation this afternoon proposing that the West Seattle Bridge receive a secondary name after former city council member Jeanette Williams.

Williams served on Seattle's City Council from 1970 to 1989 and passed away in 2008 at age 94. Current city council member Tom Rasmussen had served as her legislative aide for 10 years and is now sponsoring the legislation to name the West Seattle Bridge in her honor.

“I think it’s important for people to know (West Seattle’s) history and who is responsible for making our city a better city,” said Rasmussen.

Williams played a key role in the development of the new bridge. She was chair of the transportation committee when the old draw bridge was destroyed and felt it was her responsibility to fix West Seattle’s transportation problem once and for all.

While Rasmussen says many doubted her, Williams frequently lobbied in Washington D.C. to secure federal funding which eventually contributed $60 million to the $150 million project.

“Jeanette is proof that a city councilmember, if they chose to be a leader, can make a huge difference in the city,” said Rasmussen.

The legislation would not change the official name of the bridge, so no maps or freeway signs would need to be modified. Instead it suggests giving the bridge a secondary name and requiring the Seattle Department of Transportation to install new signs with Williams name at all bridge entrances.

July 14 also marks the 25-year anniversary of the West Seattle Bridge's original dedication.