[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 14 (Monday, January 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E72]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING RUTH BASCOM ON THE DEDICATION OF THE RUTH BASCOM 
                         RIVERBANK TRAIL SYSTEM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2003

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and to 
congratulate Ruth Bascom of Eugene, Oregon. On January 31, 2003, the 
Eugene City Council will name a bicycle and walking trail system after 
Ms. Bascom to honor her for her determined advocacy, intelligent 
leadership, and inspired vision. The Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System 
is a testament to her indomitable spirit and her remarkable civic 
career.
  Ruth Bascom has an impressive record of public service, with over 
thirty years of active participation. She has been Mayor and City 
Councilor; served as a member of the Alton Baker Park Advisory 
Committee, the Mayor's Bicycle Committee, and the Governor's Bicycle 
Advisory Committee; was president of the Youth Symphony Board and the 
League of Women Voters; and worked on a variety of campaigns dedicated 
to enhancing our community.
  Ruth Bascom gets things done--and done well. She has helped shape 
Eugene and is directly responsible for the award-winning bikeway 
system. In her many civic roles, she tirelessly fostered the riverbank 
trail system through design, funding, and construction phases. Her 
wholehearted and unwavering support for a city-wide bicycle-pedestrian 
trail system rallied community members, elected officials, and staff to 
her vision.
  The opening of the East Bank Trail completes the Ruth Bascom 
Riverbank Trail System. The project survived ups and downs and detours 
because Ms. Bascom focused considerable energy, enthusiasm, and 
ingenuity on its success and delivered the necessary plans, funds, and 
allies.
  Ruth Bascom is an exemplary citizen activist. I am pleased to offer 
her the hearty congratulations and warm thanks she so richly merits.

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