[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO CARL ADRIAN

  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the career and 
service of Carl Adrian, who is retiring this month after more than 16 
years as the president of the Tri-Cities Economic Development Council 
in my home State of Washington.
  Carl has devoted his career to making the Tri-Cities an economic 
powerhouse, and throughout his time as the longest serving president of 
TRIDEC, Carl Adrian accomplished so many important things for the 
region. Thanks in part to his work, the Tri-Cities of today is very 
different from the Tri-Cities of 16 years ago.
  Under Carl's leadership, more than 1,300 businesses set up shop in 
the Tri-Cities and more than 35,000 new jobs were created. These 
business leaders weren't drawn to the Tri-Cities just because of the 
weather or the excellent Washington wine; they came because Carl helped 
create new opportunities and supported significant investments for 
employers in the region.
  I have been so pleased to partner with Carl and TRIDEC on so many 
endeavors over the years. When it comes to Hanford, Carl saw the site 
as history that should be celebrated and remembered. We worked together 
to establish the Manhattan Project Historical Park in Richland, which 
honors the more than 51,000 Hanford workers who helped drive our 
country's nuclear program and remembers those whose lands were taken 
when the facilities were built. The site is helping to educate new 
generations and bringing new visitors to the Tri-Cities. More than 
10,000 people visit every year from all 50 States and more than 80 
countries.
  Carl also knows how important it is that we get Hanford cleaned up. 
He has been a stalwart advocate for the funding we need to clean up the 
site. And I share his strong belief that the Federal Government has a 
moral obligation to the Tri-Cities and our State to make sure the 
Hanford cleanup and its workers receive Federal funding they need.
  Throughout his time at TRIDEC, Carl has worked on so many other 
projects of importance to the Tri-Cities. He has been one of the 
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's strongest supporters, working 
tirelessly to make sure Congress and the Department of Energy recognize 
the importance of the lab to our region and country. As a result of his 
advocacy, the lab has experienced significant growth, particularly in 
energy innovation including grid security, battery storage and clean 
energy technologies.
  I was also proud to work with Carl and TRIDEC to expand the Tri-City 
Regional Airport. His leadership enabled the airport to bring non-stop 
daily flights from San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Chicago to the 
region, along with many other destinations. These flights have helped 
grow the attractiveness of southeastern Washington and allowed many 
more people to see what the Tri-Cities have to offer.
  For more than 16 years, Carl Adrian's leadership of the Tri-Cities 
Economic Development Council has made an impact throughout Southeastern 
Washington and our entire State. We are all grateful for his hard work 
and many contributions.
  Congratulations on your retirement, Carl. I wish you and Rheta great 
success as you transition to the next chapter of your life.

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