[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 184 (Thursday, December 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO LORI STONE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 17, 2015

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Riverside County, California are exceptional. Lori Stone will be 
retiring from the March Joint Powers Authority after a distinguished 
career that spanned over 20 years.
  Lori began working with the March Joint Powers Authority (JPA) in 
1994 after stepping forward to utilize her local knowledge of military 
base reuse. She has served as the Executive Director of the JPA since 
being promoted in 2006. In addition to the 365-acre airport, the JPA 
oversaw the development of the 1,200-acre Meridian Business Park and 
over 600 acres of land for future development. Lori described her early 
days with JPA as a ``learn as you go'' process because of the lack of 
precedent with local, state, and federal agencies. Over the years, Lori 
has forged relationships with the Air Force, Army, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Navy, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist 
in furthering the goals of the JPA, March Air Reserve Base, and the 
Inland Empire region.
  Lori has amassed a large and impressive list of accomplishments while 
working as Executive Director of the JPA. She successfully advocated 
for the passage of federal legislation to authorize a land swap between 
the Army, Navy and JPA allowing for the redevelopment of an area of 
March Air Reserve Base to be more comprehensive. Lori helped expand the 
local foreign trade zone outside of the JPA boundaries to help enhance 
the region's economic tools. Additionally, Lori spearheaded the US Vets 
project, securing investments of over $10 million and locating 7.5 
acres for the project. The undertaking will serve more than 100 
homeless veterans and their families.
  In light of all that Lori has done for the Riverside County community 
and the March Joint Powers Authority, it is only fitting that she be 
honored for her many years of dedicated service. Lori's tireless 
passion for our military and public service has contributed immensely 
to the betterment of our community. I am proud to call her a fellow 
community member, American and friend. I add my voice to the many who 
will be congratulating Lori on the celebration of her retirement.

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