Collier, Randolph, 1902-1983

Biography

Senator Randolph Collier was elected to the State Legislature from 1938-1976 to represent Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, Trinity, Del Norte and Siskiyou counties. The main industries in the area are lumber, agriculture, mining, dairies and cattle.

Although he was recognized as a leader in many fields of legislation, Collier gained statewide and national fame in the planning and financing of highways. He was the principal author of the Collier-Burns Act of 1947 which brought about the California Highway Plan. The state's highway system served as a model throughout the nation in that the state assumed responsibility for state highways in cities. Other improvements came with the Highway Act of 1953 which stepped up the California freeway program and the adoption of the California Freeway and Expressway System in 1959.

His interest in ecological preservation introduced legislation to provide proper regulation of California's timberlands and protection for wild rivers. He worked with local authorities in providing parks and recreational facilities for the public.

The naming of the Randolph Collier Tunnel through Oregon Mountain on Highway 199 was a tribute to its principal advocate. It provided the first direct route from northwest Nevada to the Pacific Ocean. It also eliminated the route over the summit's 128 curves and hairpin switchbacks, and made the highway passable in snowy weather. Background information on the tunnel are in the Highway and Transportation Files. Coverage on the groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies are in the Subject Files.

Collier caused a sensation by changing his registration from Republican to Democrat in 1959 when the practice of cross-filing was removed. There is a congratulatory letter from Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy.

Senate committees on which Collier had served include Governmental Efficiency, Finance, Revenue and Taxation, Insurance and Finance Institutions, and Transportation.

For further information such as principal transportation legislation which he authored between 1947-1965 and vitae, please refer to the Subject Files series, Biographical Data folder.

From the guide to the Senator Randolph Collier Papers, 1939-1976, (California State Archives)

Biographical Information

Randolph Collier was born in Etna, California on July 26, 1902. He was a resident of Siskiyou County his entire life, attending Yreka grammar and high schools, and the University of California, Riverside. In 1925, he was appointed police court judge of the City of Yreka, serving in that capacity until his election to the California State Senate in 1938. He was re-elected in 1942, 1946, 1950, and 1954. He served as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and co-authored the Collier-Burns Highway Act of 1947. He also served as Chairman of the Senate Interim Committee on Highways, Streets and Bridges. Senator Collier died on August 2, 1983.

From the guide to the Randolph Collier Papers, bulk 1945-1955, (Water Resources Collections and Archives)