[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 177 (Tuesday, December 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF SHEA HASSELL, PERRY ANCELL AND CODY COULTER

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 8, 2015

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank three 
power linemen from Coserv Electric Cooperative from the 26th District 
of Texas for their service and sacrifice to help three communities far 
away from their own.
   This fall, Shea Hassell, Perry Ancell and Cody Coulter traveled to 
Haiti where they spent three weeks volunteering to help build the 
country's first electric cooperative. This work was part of a rural 
electrification project through the NRECA International Foundation with 
support from the United Nations Environmental Program and USAID.
   During their time in the southwestern part of the country, they 
built a diesel-solar hybrid electric system which now provides safe, 
affordable and reliable power to 1,600 consumers in three towns. Their 
contributions included upgrading and installing new power lines and 
training locally hired linemen in proper construction methods and 
safety practices.
   In Haiti, less than 15 percent of the population has regular access 
to electricity. Reliable electricity is a critical element in improving 
the quality of life and to providing healthcare, education, access to 
clean water and economic opportunity.
   Thanks to the contribution of these power linemen more people in 
Haiti will now have electricity.

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