[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF THE MINNESOTA DIVISION OF HOMELAND SECURITY 
AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 
                 ON RECEIVING THE 2004 MARK TRAIL AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK R. KENNEDY

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 2, 2004

  Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management 
and the Minnesota Department of Transportation on receiving the Mark 
Trail Award of 2004. Two Minnesotans, Rochester resident Troy Schmidt 
from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Woodbury resident 
Terri Smith from the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and 
Emergency Management, are accepting the award at a ceremony tomorrow, 
June 4, 2004 in Washington D.C.
  Since approaching the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service in 2000, the Minnesota 
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the 
Minnesota Department of Transportation have expanded the Minnesota NOAA 
Weather Radio Transmitter network from 12 to 32 transmitters, with 4 
more about to go into service. As a result, 99 percent of all 
Minnesotans are now within broadcast range of a National Weather Radio 
transmitter.
  The statewide NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter network will provide 
Minnesotans with weather announcements and other emergency messages 
when necessary. When tragedy strikes, this network will allow for 
notice of emergencies such as fire, flood, tornado or accidents 
involving hazardous materials to be broadcast so Minnesotans will be 
aware of the emergency procedures, and can keep their families safe.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important services, such as the National Weather 
Service, that provide a safe environment for the public. It is my 
privilege to recognize two outstanding Minnesotans, Troy Schmidt and 
Terri Smith, for their work. I would like to express my appreciation 
for the sponsors of the Mark Trail Award and for the Minnesota Division 
of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Minnesota 
Department of Transportation for their help and achievements in 
coordinating county, state, and federal services.

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