[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Pages 18807-18808]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BRIAN SEARLES

  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, one of Vermont's most dedicated public 
employees, Brian Searles, is retiring after 45 years of service to both 
State and local government. As a police chief, city manager, airport 
director, and two tenures as the Vermont secretary of transportation, 
Brian is a model of commitment both to his work and to his State.
  For the past 4 years Brian and his team at the Vermont Agency of 
Transportation have overseen vast improvements in the State's 
infrastructure. In 2008 nearly 20 percent of Vermont's bridges were 
structurally deficient. By 2013 that number was reduced to just 8 
percent. Additionally, in 2008, 36 percent of Vermont's pavement was 
rated in ``very poor'' condition, but through his work and the support 
of Governor Shumlin, Brian and his team were able to improve that 
number to 21 percent. Brian has also remained committed to supporting 
Vermont's rail infrastructure, spending the time necessary to apply for 
and win Federal grants. This necessary funding allowed Vermont to 
realize the final stages of completing the Western Rail Corridor 
project designed to connect Rutland to Burlington, as well as upgrade 
track to complete high speed rail service between Saint Albans and 
Montreal. The success of these projects could not have happened without 
Brian's leadership.
  Brian and I have tackled many projects together, always working to 
accomplish big goals for Vermont's transportation and infrastructure 
needs. In August of 2011, Tropical Storm Irene hit the State, wiping 
out 500 miles of roadway and forcing 33 bridges to close in Vermont's 
worst natural disaster in recent history. Brian helped to bring our 
rural devastation to a national stage by testifying before the Senate's 
Committee on Environment and Public Works and then led his team to 
successful rebuilding efforts. For this, Vermonters will always be 
grateful.
  About a year ago, Brian approached Governor Shumlin with a 
resignation letter in his pocket. Looking at the

[[Page 18808]]

wealth of knowledge and historic improvements in the agency's work 
during Brian's tenure, the Governor prevailed upon him to remain at the 
helm until the end of the Governor's second term. Brian accepted the 
call, finished the year, and is now leaving the Vermont Agency of 
Transportation as a well-respected arm of Vermont's State government.
  Marcelle and I join all Vermonters in thanking Brian for his years of 
service to the State and wish him and his family the very best as they 
begin a new chapter of their lives.

                          ____________________