[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 161 (Tuesday, October 25, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING SCCOG FOR 50 YEARS OF ADVOCATING FOR SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2011

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Southeastern 
Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) for providing 50 years of 
intergovernmental service to the people of Southeastern Connecticut.
  SCCOG's origins date back to 1961, with the founding of Southeastern 
Connecticut Regional Planning Agency (SCRPA) as one of the one of the 
first regional planning agencies in Connecticut at the time. The agency 
transitioned to SCCOG in 1993, and today serves 20 member 
municipalities and counts as non-voting affiliate members two federally 
recognized Native American Tribes, and has liaisons from the United 
States Naval Submarine Base and the United States Coast Guard Academy.
  Under the leadership of James Butler, the Southeastern Connecticut 
Council of Governments ensures the various governments participating in 
the group have a platform for cooperation and organization on a diverse 
array of issues. They act as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for 
the region, budgeting for and implementing essential and transformative 
transportation projects. SCCOG has played a vital role in many of the 
region's top infrastructure priorities and support for Naval Submarine 
Base New London.
  By providing services to over 240,000 people, the Southeastern 
Connecticut Council of Governments has established itself as the second 
largest regional planning organization in Connecticut. For 50 years, 
the group has been influential in the planning of countless housing, 
technical, economic development, and emergency management projects in 
the SE CT region.
  Having worked with SCCOG closely on a number of regional priorities, 
I know firsthand the tremendous value it provides to decision makers, 
local communities and the vitality of this unique part of our state. 
With the challenges before our state and the region, coordination 
through groups like the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments 
serves as the backbone of strong communities across the nation. By 
combining strong planning foresight with a commitment to inclusion, 
SCCOG has contributed to building Southeastern Connecticut into a 
unified, burgeoning region.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring SCCOG for 50 years of 
service to southeastern Connecticut.

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