[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E308-E309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING KATHY ICHTER, DIRECTOR OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF 
                   TRANSPORTATION UPON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Kathy 
Ichter, the Director of the Fairfax County Department of Transportation 
for her long and dedicated service to the residents of Fairfax County, 
Virginia, and to wish her well in her retirement. Ms. Ichter started 
with the County in 1984, and spent 27 years working tirelessly to 
improve regional transportation. She began as a Transportation Planner, 
served for twelve years as the Division Chief of the Department's 
Transportation Planning and Operations Division, and was subsequently 
appointed as Director of the entire Department in 2005. I was a Member 
of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at that time, and happily 
supported Ms. Ichter's appointment. Having worked closely with her on 
many transportation issues over the years, I developed a profound 
respect for her abilities and dedication.
  Ms. Ichter was instrumental in improving all modes of transportation, 
including roadways, supporting pedestrian and transit opportunities and 
implementing innovative alternatives such as telework. While no one 
transportation project will completely eliminate challenges in 
urbanized areas, Ms. Ichter's wide-ranging focus provided residents 
with a number of options for their daily commutes. During her time as 
Director, she facilitated a partnership with the private sector to 
expand capacity on the Washington Beltway at no cost to taxpayers, 
oversaw the final planning and start of construction on extending 
Metrorail to Dulles Airport--one of our region's most significant 
transportation improvements, and planned redevelopment for the Tysons 
Corner area to transform the currently gridlocked urban core into a 
workable community. In addition, she worked diligently with me when I 
served as Chairman of the Board to enact two Four-Year Transportation 
Plans, the first such efforts in Fairfax to develop and implement a 
comprehensive, long-term transportation strategy.
  Throughout her years of service, Ms. Ichter received a number of 
awards recognizing her efforts and leadership, including the Les Dorson 
Public Leadership Award in 2004 and the A. Heath Onthank Award, the 
highest honor awarded to Fairfax County government employees, in 2005.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in providing further 
recognition to Kathy Ichter and thanking her for her years of service 
to the citizens of Fairfax County and her dedication to improving the 
National Capital region's transportation challenges.

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