[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 34 (Monday, February 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF MARK SCARANO, FEDERAL CO-CHAIR OF THE NORTHERN BORDER 
                          REGIONAL COMMISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANN M. KUSTER

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 26, 2018

  Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my 
good friend Mark Scarano as he steps down after nearly three years as 
Federal Co-Chair of the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). 
Through his service on the Commission, Mark has continued his life's 
work as a community economic developer serving areas that are most in 
need of support. Mark got his start in this field in Millinocket, 
Maine, and later in Piscataquis County. We in New Hampshire were 
fortunate that he came next to Grafton County, where for eight years he 
led its Regional Development Corporation and significantly expanded 
workforce development and entrepreneurship programs.
  In 2015, I was tremendously proud to support President Obama's 
nomination of Mark to co-chair the NBRC, and his unanimous confirmation 
by the Senate was a testament to his stellar reputation and 
achievements. He has proved more than worthy of that honor, as he has 
been a tireless leader, steward, and advocate of the Commission's 
important work during a period of tightening budgets and the emergence 
of new challenges, like the opioid epidemic, which are threatening our 
rural economy and its development.
  Ten years after it was first authorized, the Northern Border Regional 
Commission continues to play a critical role in driving the economic 
growth and community development in some of New Hampshire's most 
economically distressed communities. It supports projects that create 
and sustain jobs, tackle workforce development, infrastructure, 
telecommunications, healthcare, culture, and much more. Mark has worked 
diligently during his tenure to streamline processes and procedures and 
maximize the impact of the Commission. Through his excellent 
leadership, Mark has been an invaluable resource to the Granite State 
and improved the lives of thousands who have relied on projects 
championed by the Commission.
  On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional 
District, I thank Mark for his many years of dedicated service to the 
Granite State and the Northeast. His achievements will continue to 
benefit our state for years to come. I am honored to recognize and 
congratulate Mark, and wish him the very best of luck in the years 
ahead.

                          ____________________