[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S926-S927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONSTRUCTION OF THE CLEAR CREEK COMPOSITE BRIDGE

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, today, I wish to extend my congratulations 
to the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Center, the 
Great Lakes Composite Consortium, the U.S. Forest Service, and other 
composites manufacturers on the completion of the Clear Creek Composite 
Bridge in Bath County, KY, located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. 
This pedestrian bridge is the first of its kind in the world, and the 
successful creation of this bridge stems from a creative design, and a 
great deal of research.
  The Clear Creek Bridge is a 60-foot composite bridge, which is 
lightweight,

[[Page S927]]

maintenance free, and most importantly, unobtrusive in its environment. 
Dr. Issam E. Harik, a professor of civil engineering, along with 
graduate students Pete Szak and Brad Robson of the University of 
Kentucky, were the research team that designed and constructed this 
visually appealing and structurally sound bridge.
  The research and development of the technology which allowed the 
construction of this pedestrian bridge are essential for a competitive 
and strong economy, particularly with respect to the use of composite 
materials. The lightweight, maintenance-free bridges of the future are 
a welcomed change to current engineering practices, which will save 
taxpayers money.
  Construction material and maintenance costs surrounding today's 
infrastructure needs are significant, and increasing rapidly. 
Particularly in this year, as Congress begins discussion of the 
reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency 
Act, it is important to identify new processes which will allow the 
Nation to maintain our roadways and bridges at a more affordable rate 
than is currently possible.
  It is my understanding that a major reason for the creation of this 
pedestrian bridge was to validate the concept of construction of 
composite vehicular bridges. I encourage the dedicated engineers who 
worked on this project to remain committed to their research and it is 
my hope that the people of Kentucky and throughout the country, will be 
driving over composite bridges sometime in the very near future. These 
will truly be the bridges of and to, the 21st century.
  Other special recognition goes to Northwestern University in 
Evanston, IL; the Morison Molded Fiber Glass Co. of Bristol, VA; Owens 
Corning of Toledo, OH; Ashland Chemical in Columbus, OH, and Zoltek 
Corp. of St. Louis, MO. This is an example of the private sector, 
universities, and Federal Government working together to form a strong 
and successful partnership.
  I commend and thank the University of Kentucky team and U.S. Forest 
Service for their determination and hard work in building this historic 
bridge. Outdoor enthusiasts from communities all over the Commonwealth 
of Kentucky will now be better connected to the wilderness.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Texas is recognized.
  Mrs. HUTCHISON. I thank the Chair.
  (The remarks of Mrs. Hutchison pertaining to the introduction of 
Senate Resolution 49 are located in today's Record under ``Submission 
of concurrent and Senate resolutions.'')
  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. In my capacity as a Senator from Missouri, the 
Chair asks unanimous consent that the quorum call be rescinded.
  Without objection, it is so ordered.

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