[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE CAREER AND SERVICE OF MARIO R. JORGE, P.E., SAN ANTONIO 
                           DISTRICT ENGINEER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2020

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Mr. 
Mario R. Jorge. Mr. Jorge is retiring after serving the Texas 
Department of Transportation for more than 36 years.
  Mr. Jorge, at the age of 12, immigrated with his family from Cuba to 
the United States in 1974. While it was a challenging process for him 
and his family, they knew they were on the right path for a better 
future. Among the many difficulties he personally faced, Mr. Jorge 
started his education in the 7th grade without being able to speak a 
word of English. However, with hard work and diligence he was able to 
overcome this obstacle. He also found that he was particularly talented 
in the field of mathematics. Utilizing his skill in mathematics, Mr. 
Jorge went on to earn a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the 
University of Texas as well as a professional engineer's license.
  Mr. Jorge began his career with TxDOT as a member of the survey crew 
and as a construction inspector for the Pharr District in 1983. In 
1984, he was employed at the Dallas District where he worked in 
construction inspection and roadway design. He then transferred to the 
Pharr District in 1985 where he worked for several years and received 
the TxDOT Design Award for the US 83/281 interchange project in Pharr, 
before being promoted to Area Engineer in 1993. However, through his 
continued hard work he was eventually promoted to District Engineer for 
the Pharr District in 2002. It was under his leadership and guidance 
that the district completed the expansion and designation of over 100 
miles of interstate system on I-2 and US 69, as well as several 
international projects. Nonetheless, after many years of service with 
the Pharr District, he soon became the District Engineer for the San 
Antonio District in 2013. In San Antonio, Mr. Jorge led the district 
with an even larger project delivery portfolio which included 
expansions on US 281, I-10 West and East, 1-35 NEX, and LP 1604 North 
and South, an energy sector project delivery program, and countless 
other initiatives with local partners and stakeholders.
  I have worked with Mr. Jorge for many years and witnessed first-hand 
his dedication to his work. A trait that he learned from his parents, 
who risked their lives and worked hard to realize the American dream. I 
also want to recognize him for being a strong leader who made sure to 
always treat his colleagues with respect and care. A characteristic 
that allowed him to be successful in all of his endeavors.
  Madam Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Jorge on an outstanding career and 
wish him all the best in his next chapter of life. I also wish the best 
to his wife, Elsa, as well as his three sons and the rest of his 
family.

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