[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF STEVE SIMMONS

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 1, 2011

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Steve Simmons for his 
years of service to the State of Texas.
  Mr. Simmons worked as the Deputy Executive Director for the Texas 
Department of Transportation since 2001. After earning his degree in 
civil engineering from the University of Houston in 1981, he began his 
career with TxDOT as a project manager in 1982. He then went on to 
serve as the deputy district engineer for TxDOT's Houston District and 
was named the Forth Worth district engineer in 1998. During this time 
he also served on the Regional Transportation Council of the North 
Texas Council of Governments. Under Mr. Simmons' leadership, the Fort 
Worth District received the Design Excellence Award for a Metropolitan 
District in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
  Mr. Simmons' service also includes time on the civil engineering 
advisory boards for the University of Houston and the University of 
Texas at Arlington.
  Mr. Simmons received the University of Houston's Engineering Alumni 
Association's Distinguished Young Engineering Alumnus Award in 1997 and 
the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award in 2005, making him the 
first University of Houston graduate to attain both awards. He was one 
of the university's inaugural inductees into the Cullen College of 
Engineering's Academy of Distinguished Civil and Environmental 
Engineers. His ability to help make projects a success dates back to 
his youth when he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
  There are numerous transportation projects in the 26th District and I 
have been grateful for the efforts of Mr. Simmons. Whether weighing in 
on a highway in need of expansion or coming to North Texas to update my 
constituents on the state of our transportation system, his willingness 
to serve has equaled his professionalism.
  It is with great honor that I recognize Steve Simmons for his years 
of hard work and dedication given to the citizens of Texas.

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