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.
“IN RECOGNITION OF THE STUDENT COUNCIL OF RAGLAND HIGH SCHOOL” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the in the Extensions of Remarks section section on pages E428-E429 on April 28.
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:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE STUDENT COUNCIL OF RAGLAND HIGH SCHOOL
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HON. MIKE ROGERS
of alabama
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Student Council of Ragland High School.
In October, the Council, led by President Jaxon Phillips, called for U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to fund the Ragland Safety, Transportation, Education, and Mobility Project, known as ``STEM.''
Trains often block Ragland's only grade crossing, cutting the town in half for hours. This blocks first responders and school buses and causes disruptions for student attendance and learning. The STEM Project would eliminate these disruptions.
At the Student Council's urging, I have engaged with U.S. DOT to support this project. I had hoped funding for this project would be announced by Secretary Buttigieg before the school year ended. While the final decision is still pending, I want these young leaders to know their voices have been heard in Washington. I will continue to support the STEM Project.
Madam Speaker, I call upon Secretary Buttigieg to fund this worthy project. I include in the Record the text of the Council's resolution of October 25, 2021.
Student Council, Ragland High School
Resolution
October 25, 2021
Whereas, The Town of Ragland has been home to the National Cement Company, Inc. since July of 1910; and
Whereas, The National Cement Company requires a large percentage of products to be transported via the railroad, owned and operated by OrnniTRAX and ATN, which intersects Alabama State Highway 144; and
Whereas, The railroad is prone to cause major delays of traffic that might include means of transportation for school, such as school buses, student drivers, and teachers. as well as emergency vehicles. hindering the response of local first responders in the event of an emergency; and
Whereas, In December of 2019, the National Cement Company made an investment of $250,000,000 in a kiln expansion project that is set to be completed by December 2021, drawing in 132 new jobs, as well as pouring a foundation for the National Cement Plant to remain in operation for another 50 years: and
Whereas, Such an expansion is projected to increase cement production abundantly resulting in the necessity for transportation of products via the railroad and Alabama State Highway 144; additionally furthering the traffic delays along with impeding first responder's ability to respond; Be it Therefore
Resolved, That the Ragland High School Student Council, in meeting assembled, calls on the Federal Railroad Administration Acting Administrator Amit Bose, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Congressman, Mike Rogers, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, and U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, to promote the ``Ragland Safety, Transportation, Education, and Mobility Project''; and Be it Further
Resolved, That the Ragland High School tudent Council, in meeting assembled, formally endorses and acknowledges the urgency for supporting the ``Ragland Safety, Transportation, Education, and Mobility Project''.
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