[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 178 (Monday, October 27, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S7752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO STACEY MORTENSEN

 Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Stacey 
Mortensen, who is retiring after nearly 30 years of outstanding public 
service, including her noteworthy tenure as executive director of the 
San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission.
  A Fortuna, CA, native raised in Concord, Stacey developed a passion 
for transportation early on in her professional career. After earning a 
degree in environmental planning and management from the University of 
California, Davis, she began her vocation by conducting traffic counts 
with the city of Vacaville, a humble beginning that led to Stacey's 
pioneering role in shaping rail service across California's Central 
Valley and beyond.
  Stacey was at the forefront of initial efforts to develop rail 
service between Silicon Valley and Stockton. She was working at the San 
Joaquin County Department of Public Works when the manager of the rail 
planning section departed suddenly. Stacey stepped into that role and 
was soon chosen as executive director of the San Joaquin Regional Rail 
Commission. In 1998, under her stalworth leadership, the Altamont 
Corridor Express, ACE, was launched. ACE connected San Joaquin, Santa 
Clara, and Alameda Counties with a new model of regional rail service. 
Stacey oversaw ACE's design, procurement, funding, negotiations, and 
infrastructure development.
  Among her many accomplishments, Stacey was essential in the creation 
and expansion of the Valley Rail Program, which united more than 20 
regional agencies to expand passenger rail service across Merced, 
Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Sacramento Counties and led to the 
formation of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority.
  In addition, Stacey helped formulate the Stockton Diamond Grade 
Separation Project, one of California's largest rail infrastructure 
projects that aims to eliminate one of the country's most congested 
rail crossings. She also assisted with the launch of the Rail Academy 
of Central California, a workforce development program that trains the 
next generation of rail professionals.
  Under Stacey's exemplary guidance, the rail maintenance facility, 
operated by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, became a national 
model for environmental standards and efficiency. Along with supporting 
ACE operations, the facility provides maintenance for many different 
trains, establishing a regional hub of rail knowledge and expertise 
that employs over 200 people.
  As Stacey leaves her position with the San Joaquin Regional Rail 
Commission, her legacy as a transformative force in California's 
transportation arena will continue through the innovative, enduring 
impact of her work. I ask all Members to join me in thanking Stacey 
Mortensen for nearly three decades of leadership and excellence in 
California's regional transportation network.

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