[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 13, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S5668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP COOPERATIVE EMPLOYEES

   Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize 
and thank Steve Robinson, Wesley Thames, David Baskin, James Abbott, 
Andrew Harris, and Ian Hansman. They work for Cowetta-Fayette EMC, and 
Cobb EMC, and Carroll EMC, electric cooperatives in the great State of 
Georgia.
  In July, these gentlemen traveled to Costa Rica as volunteers for the 
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association International 
Foundation. During their time in the town of Guanacaste, they helped 
construct an electric distribution system and worked alongside 
employees at the local electric co-op, Coopeguanacaste.
  Along with local linemen, their volunteer efforts connected five 
families in Guanacaste with first-time access to electricity by 
building almost 2 kilometers of power lines. While working together, 
they shared safety and best construction practices with their 
counterparts at Coopeguanacaste.
  Access to electric service for these families will improve their 
quality of life and allow them to compete in a growing and competitive 
economy. With electricity, these families can improve their livestock 
farming by preserving meats and dairy products, beginning their own 
businesses or selling at the market. This first-time access to 
electricity also will help with environmental conservation because 
residents will no longer need to burn wood and other traditional fuels 
for cooking and light.
  National Rural Electric Cooperative Association International has 
been active in rural electrification development in Costa Rica since 
1963, with direct involvement in the establishment of four electric 
cooperatives in Costa Rica. Today these co-ops serve approximately 
200,000 consumer members.
  Thanks to these volunteers, more families in the world now have a 
chance to a better life. Once again, thank you to these fine Georgians 
for their work, dedication, and selfless commitment to improving the 
lives of others.

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