[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. ROELOF VAN ARK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Roelof van Ark, who 
will soon end his term as the chief executive of the California High-
Speed Rail Authority (CAHSRA). There is no textbook on how to build 
high-speed rail in America; it has never been done before. For the past 
two years Mr. van Ark has written the first chapters of that book by 
dedicating himself wholly to building the nation's first true high-
speed rail system in California. He deserves our recognition and true 
appreciation for all the work he has done for California and our 
nation.
  For three decades, Mr. van Ark has worked on high-speed rail and 
other transportation systems throughout the world. Before becoming only 
the second chief executive since the Authority was formed in 1996, he 
led ALSTOM Transportation, Inc., for five years. Mr. van Ark previously 
worked in Germany and South Africa for Siemens Transportation Systems, 
a global leader in high-speed rail systems. During his more than 20 
year tenure with Siemens, he successfully constructed complex 
infrastructure projects such as the ``Skytrain'' in Bangkok, several 
subways throughout China, and high-speed rail lines in Germany. He 
ended his time with Siemens while working in Sacramento as President 
and Chief Executive Officer of the company.
  His lifetime of experience enabled him to bring such tremendous 
expertise and leadership to the implementation of California's high-
speed rail project.
  I applaud Roelof van Ark for his years of tireless work on behalf of 
the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the state of California. 
Mr. van Ark has truly laid the groundwork for the nation's first high-
speed rail system, and I hope he will join me in riding the first train 
that departs from San Francisco en route to Los Angeles via the San 
Joaquin Valley. All Californians will be better off due to the service 
and sacrifice of this great leader.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I ask my colleagues 
to stand with me in thanking Roelof for his work in advancing modern 
modes of transportation within the United States and around the world. 
Please join me today in recognizing the commitment, dedication and 
success of Mr. Roelof van Ark and wish him well as he embarks on new 
endeavors.

                          ____________________