[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING SALVADOR A. MERCADO'S SERVICE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a citizen of the 28th 
District of Texas, Salvador A. Mercado, and his 28 years of service to 
the Department of Transportation.
  In 1972 Salvador began his career with the Department of 
Transportation in Laredo, Texas. He then decided to further his 
education by attending the University of Texas at Austin, earning a 
degree in civil engineering. After he received his degree, he was able 
to move up at the Department of Transportation, and eventually became 
deputy district engineer.
  During his time at the Transportation Department Salvador was able to 
apply his attention to detail to help establish Transportation Gateway, 
one of the 18t urban centers of its kind.
  His professional demeanor assisted him as he made the critical 
decision of recruiting 20 engineering assistants for the district.
  District safety has always been a main concern of Salvador's, and he 
has established different programs such as ``EI Protector,'' Spring 
Break rest stops, South Texas Fiber Optics Loop System, a Haz-Mat Task 
Force, traffic safety booths at local festivals, and the initiation of 
Construction Career Days to aid the community.
  Salvador's willingness to work has not been overlooked by his peers; 
in 1996 he received the Gilchrist Award which honors outstanding 
achievement in Highway Engineering. This award is so prestigious that 
Salvador is only the second Hispanic engineer to ever be presented with 
this award.
  Upon retirement Salvador will begin working in the private sector and 
I'm convinced will play an imperative role in whatever venture he 
decides to pursue.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize the 
many contributions of Salvador A. Mercado.




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