[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15743]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       THANKING MR. RICK CHESSER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2005

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. Rick Chesser for his 
35 years of support and dedication to the State of Florida as an 
employee of the Florida Department of Transportation. Rick has decided 
to retire from public services, yet at the time of his departure, he 
was the longest serving District Secretary with 17 years of service to 
District 4, which encompasses Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, 
and Indian River counties.
  Throughout his 17 years with the Florida Department of 
Transportation, Rick has compiled a lasting legacy. Under his watch, 
the district received much needed funding and he opened constructive 
dialogue between the district, the public and local elected officials. 
It should also be highlighted that within District 4, Rick allocated 
numerous hours to ensure mobility of constituents while simultaneously 
keeping the best results for the environment and quality of life at 
heart.
  In particular, Rick's commitment to South Florida's public 
transportation system was never more evident when he served as project 
director for Interstate 595. Through this project, the Port Everglades 
Expressway was created, Interstate 75 was constructed, and Interstate 
95 was widened in two of the five counties within his district. From 
there, funding was received for a tri-county rail system providing even 
greater accessibility for South Florida commuters.
  As construction progressed with these numerous projects, Rick ensured 
the attractiveness of the land by providing District 4 the highest 
level of amenities in the state for landscaping, paver blocks, and 
decorative lighting. He also worked with individual cities to assist 
them in development plans that would shift with population growth.
  Mr. Speaker, Rick Chesser's work for the State of Florida and that of 
District 4 will not be forgotten. Rick has made great strides in the 
development of various areas to raise the morale and the quality of 
life for all residents. We are indebted to him and to his service for 
the past 35 years. My staff and I wish him all the best in his 
retirement.

                          ____________________