The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Senate section on pages S1474-S1475 on March 4, 2020.
The Department handles nearly all infrastructure crisscrossing the country. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department should be privatized to save money, reduce congestion and spur innovation.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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TRIBUTE TO SCOTT BENNETT
Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the career of Scott Bennett, who is retiring as director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation after nearly 32 years of service and dedication to the State.
Scott assumed his current post as director in 2011; however, he has been an asset to ARDOT since his summers as an engineering intern. Scott's hard work, passion, and knowledge allowed him to build a celebrated career that has greatly benefited the State and its citizens. He received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1989 and became a full-time employee of the Planning and Research Division. He also earned a master's degree in civil engineering in 1994 while working for ARDOT.
During the past 9 years, his effective and influential leadership has been indisputable. Scott led ARDOT's efforts to implement significant highway rehabilitation efforts, including the 2011 Interstate Rehabilitation Program and the 2012 Connecting Arkansas Program, both of which were approved by voters.
Scott is an active leader in the transportation and engineering communities in the State and at the national level. He was appointed to the Arkansas Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors in 2015, where he currently serves as president. In 2017, Scott was elected secretary-treasurer of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, after previously serving as a member of the board of directors. Scott has served on other various organizations to support the transportation industry and improve roadways for all Americans.
Scott has earned many accolades over the course of his career. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials presented him with the Thomas H. MacDonald Memorial Award, which recognizes top engineers in the transportation profession. In 2005, he received the University of Arkansas Young Engineer Alumni of the Year Award, and in 2019 he was honored with the University of Arkansas College of Engineering's Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2010, Scott was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering.
I applaud Scott for his accomplished career with the Arkansas Department of Transportation. He has displayed his commitment to improving the quality of life for Arkansans, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to be felt across the State. I appreciate his friendship and am grateful for his years of devoted service to the Natural State.
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