[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S8261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RURAL PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS OF AMERICA

  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, this past June, the National Association of 
Development Organizations, NADO, formed the Rural Planning 
Organizations of America, RPO America, a national voluntary 
organization, which was designed to strengthen our Nation's rural 
transportation planning, development, and infrastructure system.
  Under the leadership of NADO, RPO America will support rural 
transportation planners and practitioners by providing professional 
development, peer networking, research and educational initiatives in 
order to promote and showcase the benefits and value of transportation 
planning and infrastructure development throughout our Nation's rural 
communities.
  Investing in our rural roadways and bridges is more than just 
investing in concrete and steel; it is also an investment in our 
future. For this reason, it is essential that our Nation's rural 
transportation professionals be provided with the necessary tools and 
support to promote and showcase the value, benefits, and 
accomplishments of rural transportation planning and development.
  Efficient transportation infrastructure plays a critical role in a 
successful and thriving community. Furthermore, a reliable 
transportation system within our Nation's rural community is not only 
critical to our rural communities but also to our Nation's economy.
  Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this 
newly formed organization that will support the role of rural 
transportation planners and the efforts to improve rural community 
access throughout the country.

                          ____________________