[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1546-E1547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WEST FLORIDA REGIONAL 
                            PLANNING COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to commemorate 
the 50th Anniversary of the West Florida Regional Planning Council and 
recognize its significant impact and contributions to Northwest 
Florida.
   The West Florida Regional Planning Council was established in 1964 
as the Pensacola-Escambia County Regional Council when the need of 
transportation planning and coordination was recognized. As the third 
regional planning council to have been formed in the State of Florida, 
it has since grown to also include Bay, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, 
Walton, and Washington Counties and their municipalities. In addition 
to transportation planning, the Council today provides a forum

[[Page E1547]]

to engage its members in regional planning, comprehensive economic 
development strategic planning, emergency preparedness planning, 
environmental planning and education, and intergovernmental review. 
Furthermore, the Council provides assistance in grant-writing, project 
management, technical planning, and data analysis.
   Due to its collaborative nature, the Council naturally recognizes 
the importance of an all-of-community and region approach. To that end, 
it welcomes and encourages citizens throughout the Gulf Coast to become 
engaged in the process to actively address and solve problems of the 
growing region.
   Over the past five decades, the Council has dedicated their efforts 
to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Northwest Florida. 
Their contributions have helped ensure that the Emerald Coast remains a 
top tourist destination and a place where thousands live like millions 
wish they could.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me 
great pleasure to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the West Florida 
Regional Planning Council. My wife Vicki joins me in thanking all of 
its members for their devotion to service and wishing them and the 
Council all the best for continued success.

                          ____________________