The Cougar Highway Organization is collecting petitions and letters to expand support for renaming state Route 26 as WSU “Cougar Highway.” The organization was founded by WSU alumni Tyler and Amy Morgan. The organization is hoping to gain support from current WSU students, alumni and residents in the area, Tyler said.

“I think what we need to realize is that Washington State University as a school has been benefiting the people of Washington state since 1890,” he said. “By naming SR 26 as the ‘Cougar Highway,’ we want to show public recognition for the school accomplishments.” To rename any state facility, including highways, there must be pieces of evidence provided to the Washington State Transportation Commission that shows there are people supporting the change.

“The main supporters of our organization are people who take pride in the role that WSU has played in making our state a better place,” CHO Adviser Eda Yagiz said. “We have support from citizens to state representatives and town mayors along the SR 26 route. There are also many different ways for Cougars and non-Cougars to support WSU. (Renaming) SR 26 is just one way.” SR-26 extends from Vantage to Colfax and is a highway that students, parents and game attendees use to travel to Pullman.

“The whole point the highway was built was to create an easier, safer route for WSU students coming and going to various parts of the state,” said Jeremy Trevino, ASWSU District 1 senator. “By renaming SR-26, it will support the various small businesses along the way. WSU cougars are prideful of what is theirs, and it will add an increasing awareness of the state’s highway and what it stands for here in Cougar Country. In my opinion, everyone who uses this road will benefit from the renaming of SR-26.” The approval of the renaming of the highway will be through the washington state Transportation Commission, and the letters and petitions will be sent to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

“We need all the help we can get to gather signatures on petitions and in general obtaining support,” Morgan said. For more information, visit the Cougar Highway Organization Facebook group or www.cougarhighway.com.