[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


HONORING DR. SUSAN REES, RECIPIENT OF THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS 
                    2010 CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is a real pleasure to rise today to pay 
tribute to the outstanding achievements of Dr. Susan Ivester Rees, who 
was recently recognized for her efforts to protect our Gulf Coast from 
the devastating impact of future hurricanes.
  In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina--a storm which dealt an 
unprecedented amount of destruction and loss of life to the Gulf 
Coast--Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to 
undertake comprehensive planning to help strengthen the region's 
ability to withstand the assault of future natural disasters.
  One of the studies authorized by Congress was the Mississippi Coastal 
Improvement Program (MsCIP), undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers' 
Mobile District.
  Dr. Susan Rees' leadership and active involvement in the project as 
Program Manager--working with coastal residents and marshalling the 
best ideas from across government agencies--was instrumental in shaping 
the final plan which won her praise from the Corps of Engineers, as 
well as other Federal, State and local leaders for its comprehensive 
nature.
  Dr. Rees' extensive public involvement was pivotal in the formation--
and approval--of 15 major construction projects, including the opening 
of canals to improve water flow, beach reconstruction, and rebuilding 
the Bay St. Louis seawall.
  In recognition of her tremendous efforts and considerable leadership 
in the Mississippi Coastal Improvement Program, Dr. Rees was presented 
with the Lt. Gen. John W. Morris 2010 Civilian of the Year Award at the 
2010 USACE Summer Leaders Conference in Seattle, Washington on August 
2, 2010.
  Dr. Rees is also a member of the scientific advisory board of the 
Alabama Center for Estuarine Studies at the University of South 
Alabama; a member of the executive committee of the Mobile Bay Estuary 
Program; and a member of the advisory council for the Mississippi-
Alabama Sea Grant Consortium.
  I wish to congratulate Dr. Rees--as well as her husband, Fred, who, 
himself, has dedicated many years in government service, for their 
exemplary efforts to protect and enhance the quality of life along 
America's Gulf Coast. Susan is to be commended for her dedication to 
preserving our environment and making our coastal communities safer.
  Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in wishing Dr. Rees much success 
in her future endeavors.

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