[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF MARIBEL P. CHAVEZ

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 10, 2013

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
career of Maribel P. Chavez. After committing 31 years to public 
service with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Mrs. 
Chavez retires as Fort Worth District Engineer.
  During her tenure, Mrs. Chavez has worked collaboratively with local, 
state, and federal partners to streamline and implement innovative 
projects in the Fort Worth District. Her oversight of the combined $3 
billion DFW Connector and North Tarrant Express projects reflects her 
ability to manage complex regional highway projects through 
environmental clearance and construction.
  Mrs. Chavez was diligent on smaller projects that were no less 
complex, but every bit as important to Tarrant County communities. Her 
cooperative effort with the City of Fort Worth to complete the long-
awaited widening of East Rosedale, improvements at the Hwy. 287 and 
Berry St. interchange, and assistance to facilitate completion of Fort 
Worth's new Veterans Outpatient Clinic on Interstate 20 underscore her 
commitment and responsiveness.
  Mrs. Chavez's career was also notable as she was the first female 
engineer hired by TxDOT and the first female TxDOT District Engineer. 
Additionally, she has been recognized for her many achievements 
including Woman of the Year by the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the 
Women's Transportation Seminar, Preservation Leadership Award by 
Historic Fort Worth, Inc., and by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for her 
guidance on the DFW Connector Project.
  Her invaluable contribution to my annual Transportation Summits will 
be sincerely missed. It is my privilege to commend Maribel P. Chavez 
and wish her well in retirement. Her work will stand as a monument to 
her dedication for years to come.

                          ____________________