[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JERRY HANAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand 
before you today to honor Jerry Hanas and to wish him well upon his 
retirement as General Manager of the Northern Indiana Commuter 
Transportation District. Mr. Hanas's many years of service and 
expertise in his field have been a remarkable asset to the community of 
Northwest Indiana and beyond. In honor of Jerry's retirement, a 
celebratory reception was held on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at Sand 
Creek Country Club in Chesterton, Indiana.
   Northwest Indiana's extensive transportation network earns this 
region's reputation for being the crossroads of America. Interstates 
80, 94, 90, and 65 traverse our landscape, as do the railroad tracks 
servicing the Norfolk Southern, Canadian National, and CSX rail lines, 
connecting travelers and business interests alike from the East to West 
Coasts. Most notably, the South Shore Rail Line, a passenger rail 
service offered by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation 
District (NICTD), provides riders access to the environs of Chicago and 
its $500 billion economy. Under Mr. Hanas's direction, NICTD and the 
South Shore Rail Line have flourished.
   Established in 1908, the South Shore Rail Line provided passenger 
service to the city of Chicago as well as to the recreational 
opportunities found in Northwest Indiana, given its proximity to Lake 
Michigan and South Bend. With the advent of the interstate system, and 
the newfound ability to travel between neighboring communities with 
ease, ridership along the South Shore Rail Line began to decline. In 
order to prevent the complete loss of this asset, the state of Indiana 
created NICTD for the sole purpose of maintaining and operating the 
passenger line. Jerry Hanas was hired as the General Manager of NICTD 
upon its creation in June 1977, and it is here where he has served the 
railroad for 37 years.
   NICTD's success is due to Jerry's competence, hard work, and 
dedication to a long-term vision in which passenger rail service is 
improved and expanded throughout the region. He effectively coordinated 
NICTD's purchase of the South Shore railroad and passenger assets, 
resulting in a stable and reliable relationship between the passenger 
and freight services. This acquisition required a steadfast commitment 
to a series of strategic investments to ensure the line's continuation. 
To that end, under Jerry's leadership, since 1977, over $500 million 
has been dedicated to upgrading the rolling stock, stations, track, 
catenary, bridges, and signals associated with the line in order to 
enhance safety and to make much needed capacity-related track 
improvements.
   Currently, NICTD is in the process of conducting the appropriate 
environmental studies as part of its effort to expand services to the 
suburban areas in Northwest Indiana. This expansion is a key component 
to capitalizing upon our region's transportation network and maximizing 
economic development opportunities. Although Jerry Hanas retires this 
fall, he leaves a completely rebuilt and vibrant South Shore Rail Line 
to serve as his legacy and a well-established corporate vision to keep 
the momentum going for future generations.
   Jerry's commitment to his career and to the community of Northwest 
Indiana is exceeded only by his devotion to his family. He and his 
wonderful wife, Nancy, have a daughter, Melissa, son-in-law, Tom, and 
one beloved grandson, Donovan. They also have one son, Roger, whose 
fiancee, Annie, will be joining Jerry's exceptional family.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending Jerry Hanas for his lifetime of leadership, 
service, and dedication to the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation 
District. Jerry's impact on the region will be evident for generations 
to come, and he is worthy of the highest praise. I ask that you join me 
in wishing him well upon his retirement.

                          ____________________