Route 7 Bridge to be named after Marine Lance Corporal Osbrany Montes De Oca
(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Democrats Marlene Caride and Gary S. Schaer (both D-Bergen/Passaic) sponsored to rename a bridge after fallen North Arlington native and United States Marine Lance Corporal Osbrany Montes De Oca has been signed into law.
De Oca died in February in Afghanistan while supporting combat operations.
The law (A-2676) designates the Route 7 Bridge between the Township of Belleville and the Borough of North Arlington as the Lance Corporal Osbrany Montes De Oca Memorial Bridge.
“Lance Corporal Osbrany Montes De Oca lost his life while serving his country. He was a brave Marine, a loving son, brother and friend,” said Caride. “We are indebted to him and all the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces and put themselves at risk to protect us and others. Renaming this bridge in his honor is a small way to honor his life and repay his commitment to our state and country.”
“This young man served his country and his home state proudly and for that we are grateful. In a world where news and information is constantly flowing, sometimes we forget too quickly the sacrifices made by others on our behalf,” said Schaer. “Renaming this bridge after Lance Corporal Montes De Oca will serve as a lasting reminder of the high price he paid to keep us and our country safe. As painful as it must be to lose a child, his family should be immensely proud of his dedication and contribution to our military efforts overseas. He is now part of American history.”
De Oca grew up in North Arlington and attended North Arlington High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. He tragically lost his life on Feb. 10 while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was 20 years old.
The law authorizes the state commissioner of transportation to make the designation and erect appropriate signs bearing the new name. It provides that no state or public funds will be used in the designation.
The transportation commissioner is authorized under the law to receive gifts, grants or other financial assistance from private sources for the purpose of funding or reimbursing the Department of Transportation for the costs associated with producing, purchasing, and erecting signs bearing the designation, with such private sources, including but not limited to non-governmental non-profit, educational or charitable entities or institutions. No work shall proceed, and no funding shall be accepted by the Department of Transportation until an agreement has been reached with a responsible party for paying the costs associated with producing, purchasing, erecting and maintaining the signs.