FORT DRUM — State legislators on Thursday approved the naming of the Fort Drum connector road after the installation's former commander Lt. Gen. Paul G. Cerjan.

Following approval from the governor's office, the road will be referred to as the “Paul Cerjan Memorial Highway.”

Both the Senate and the Assembly passed the bill unanimously.

Gen. Cerjan, who served for 34 years in the Army, was assistant division commander for support with the 10th Mountain Division from 1985 to 1987. The Rome native oversaw over $1.2 billion in construction projects that helped shape the post into its current form.

“I can't think of a more fitting tribute to the person responsible for what Fort Drum is today.” said Michael T. Plummer, president of the Northern New York-Fort Drum Chapter of the Association of the United States Army. The retired colonel, then the division's chief of staff, worked closely with Gen. Cerjan as he made major design decisions for the post.

A West Point Graduate, Gen. Cerjan held assignments including executive to the supreme allied commander in Europe and commandant of the Army War College. He died in April 2011 at the age of 72.

The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Patricia A. Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, and also received support from Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa.

Work on the project will cause closures on Route 37 next week as crews erect bridge beams.

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