[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO FRANCES T. BANERJEE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Frances T. 
(Frankee) Banerjee on twenty-five years of distinguished service to the 
City of Los Angeles. A very accomplished woman, Ms. Banerjee retires as 
the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of 
Transportation.
  Ms. Banerjee has had a successful career working in many facets of 
transportation, including: Research Associate in the Urban 
Transportation Systems Laboratory at MIT, Strategic Planning Manager 
for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and 
consultant for the United States Department of Transportation.
  Since joining the City, Ms. Banerjee has served in a variety of 
capacities. She began as Planning Manager for the Los Angeles Community 
Redevelopment Agency, where she oversaw the Los Angeles Downtown People 
Mover Program. She then served as the Transportation Manager for the 
Community Redevelopment Agency before becoming the Assistant Chief 
Legislative Analyst in 1988.
  Frankee Banerjee joined the City of Los Angeles Department of 
Transportation in 1994. Because of her excellent record in 
transportation, she was appointed by Mayor Richard Riordan as the first 
woman ever to hold the position of General Manager. She had the task of 
overseeing approximately 2,000 employees, as well as directing the 
activities of the Offices of Transportation Programs, Operations, 
Parking Management, and the Office of Organizational Support. The 
Office is responsible for design and development of all new projects, 
field and systems operations of the City's traffic signal system, 
transportation review of all new development, operation of the commuter 
express and community transit serving 26 City areas, management of 
parking programs, intersection control, and school crossing guard 
services. Under her management, the Department of Transportation has 
received national recognition for programs showcasing the development 
and deployment of advanced technologies, environmental achievements, 
and sensitive streetscape design.
  In addition to her work with the City, Ms. Banerjee has been actively 
involved with numerous professional associations and has received 
numerous awards. Such awards include being named ``Employer of the Year 
2001'' by the Women's Transportation Seminar and ``Affiliate 
Businesswoman of the Year 2000'' by the National Association of 
Business Owners.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to join Frankee Banerjee's family and 
friends in congratulating her on her retirement. I thank her for her 
exemplary performance, and her distinguished and dedicated service to 
the people of the City of Los Angeles. I wish her well in her future 
endeavors.

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