[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING BROWARD COUNTY GOVERNMENT FOR WINNING 11 NACo AWARDS

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my 
heartfelt congratulations to my home of Broward County for winning a 
total of 11 awards in the National Association of Counties's 2002 
Achievement Awards Program. The awards represent the very best in 
innovative county government programs that improve the implementation 
and enhancement of efficient service to promote responsible and 
reliable county government. For Broward County and the state of Florida 
this is an incredible accomplishment, for it shows that local 
government can make significant strides to improve its effectiveness.
  I am proud to recognize the many hard working county employees for 
providing individuals the programs and services they need to be active 
and productive members of our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to briefly highlight 3 of the 11 award winning 
programs.
  First, let me identify the Environmental Benchmarks Program which was 
set up to evaluate the state of natural resources in Broward County. 
The Departments of Planning and Environmental Protection, have created 
a system of performance measures to gauge the pressures facing natural 
resources in the county. The program is part of the Broward County 
Commission's New Visions goal to develop a comprehensive policy to help 
protect the local environment.
  Another noteworthy NACo award winning program was the Integrated 
Services for Older Adults with Substance Abuse Issues program. For 
elderly patients with substance abuse problems, the county provides an 
array of services including prevention, treatment and outpatient 
services.
  And finally, let me cite the Employee Computer Literacy Access 
Program, which has helped employees purchase computers for home use 
through County surplus sales. The County also provides computer 
training to help employees gain more skills for job enhancement.
  Broward County has also created programs that deal with the 
stimulation of tourism. The county has also provided a Cultural 
Information Center, so visitors can get quick and easy information 
about events in the community.
  The Broward County Government has been a beacon to the rest of the 
country that government truly is most effective at the local level. I 
once again proudly offer my congratulations to Broward County for their 
11 NACo awards. They indeed deserve them.

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