IN APPRECIATION OF THE HONORABLE RAY LAHOOD

            WHEREAS, the Honorable Ray LaHood has completed more than four years of public service as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation; and

            WHEREAS, Secretary LaHood oversaw an annual budget of $70 billion and managed a staff of 55,000 federal employees tasked with oversight of the nation's roads, railways and air travel; and

            WHEREAS, Secretary LaHood has administered $48 billion in federal investments authorized by the American Recovery and Reinstatement Act as well as five competitive rounds of application solicitations for the Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant Program that has awarded more than $3.1 billion to fund 186 projects nationwide; and

            WHEREAS, Secretary LaHood has been a continuous advocate for light rail and streetcar projects that have transformed and improved the quality of life in metropolitan areas nationwide; and

            WHEREAS, Secretary LaHood’s commitment to safety was evidenced by his Distracted Driving Initiative and the securing of funds in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) to help build and repair roads, bridges and transit systems; and

            WHEREAS, Secretary LaHood has logged tens of thousands of frequent flier miles in his quest to visit all fifty states, as well as more than 211 U.S. cities, a tenacious feat that showcased his great resolve and commitment to the American people; and

            WHEREAS, Secretary LaHood’s unprecedented, close working relationship with Mayors demonstrated that he understood that mayoral leadership is critical for transportation progress,

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors congratulates and sincerely thanks Secretary Ray LaHood for his public service.