[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1208-E1209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HONORABLE JOE KELLEJIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2001

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Honorable 
Joe Kellejian, a member of the Solana Beach City Council, who recently 
received a President's Service and Safety Award from Amtrak. Councilman 
Kellejian was recognized as a State Partner, which means that he has 
been a leader in promoting the growth and expansion of passenger rail 
service at a regional and state level. Joe has been a constituent and 
personal friend to me for many years, and it is an honor to see him 
recognized for his contributions to rail service in California.
  Promotion and expansion of mass transportation is an important part 
of the continued growth of the economy in southern California, and 
Councilman Kellejian has been a champion of this effort. As Chairman of 
the North County Transit Development Board, he played a key role in the 
development of the Coaster, a successful commuter service for southern 
California that is run by Amtrak and owned by the North County Transit 
District. Councilman Kellejian also serves as a member of the San Diego 
Association of Governments, and chaired the High-Speed Rail Task Force 
sub-

[[Page E1209]]

committee, which provides recommendations for the 20-year Regional 
Transportation Plan for San Diego County.
  As a member of these organizations and as an individual advocate for 
the enhancement of the passenger rail service in southern California, 
Councilman Kellejian has raised millions of dollars for the funding of 
various rail projects. Recently, Joe and I were successful in obtaining 
a $1 million appropriation for the Solana Beach Intermodal Transit 
Station Structure. This money is to be used to initiate a funding 
package for parking expansion and other improvements at the Solana 
Beach station, in order to help increase the use of the San Diego 
Coaster.
  Since much of southern California and especially San Diego County are 
such large, sprawling areas, finding efficient public transportation 
methods proves to be a challenge. Thanks to the efforts of citizens 
like Councilman Kellejian, above-ground commuter rail service has 
flourished in recent years, providing, for less congested roads, 
cleaner air, a healthier environment and an overall better quality of 
life. I hope that everyone in the city of Solana Beach as well as the 
51st District will join me in congratulating Joe for his achievements 
in improving rail service in San Diego County.

                          ____________________