By Turner of Coleman H.R. No. 792 77R13326 JKB-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, For more than 50 years, the Houston District of the 1-2 Texas Department of Transportation has benefited from the dedicated 1-3 service and insight of James Grayson, and his enduring career is 1-4 most deserving of special legislative recognition; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A certified engineer from the University of Houston, 1-6 Mr. Grayson joined the Texas Highway Department in 1946 as a 1-7 laborer; he earned his engineer's license in 1956 through night 1-8 courses; and 1-9 WHEREAS, During his 55-year tenure, Mr. Grayson has witnessed 1-10 the transformation of the agency from the Texas Highway Department 1-11 to the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation and 1-12 later to the Texas Department of Transportation, and he has served 1-13 under five Houston District engineers; and 1-14 WHEREAS, The Houston area has also changed dramatically since 1-15 Mr. Grayson began his career; over the years, he has participated 1-16 in such major projects as the development of Interstate 45, the 1-17 Washburn Tunnel, the Baytown Tunnel, the Texas 159 bridge over the 1-18 Brazos River, the Quintana swing bridge, and the Texas 146 Fred 1-19 Hartman Bridge; and 1-20 WHEREAS, A loyal public employee with a keen wit and an 1-21 admirable work ethic, Mr. Grayson works to help make bridges in the 1-22 Lone Star State safe for both residents and visitors, and it is a 1-23 privilege to join in honoring him for his many years of exemplary 1-24 work; now, therefore, be it 2-1 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-2 Legislature hereby commend James Grayson for his 55 years of 2-3 service to the Texas Department of Transportation and to the 2-4 citizens of Texas; and, be it further 2-5 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-6 prepared for Mr. Grayson as an expression of high regard by the 2-7 Texas House of Representatives.