79R11069 MW-D

By:  Smith of Harris                                              H.R. No. 1004



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Jim Nichols, P.E., has greatly benefited his 
profession through his many years of service as chairman and board 
member for the Texas Board of Professional Engineers; and
	WHEREAS, A graduate of Texas A&M University, Mr. Nichols  
earned his bachelor of science and master of science degrees in 
civil engineering; he served 11 years as president of Freese &
Nichols, Inc., of Fort Worth before assuming the chairmanship of 
the company in 1988, a position he still maintains; and
	WHEREAS, During his career, Mr. Nichols has been principal in 
charge of $54 million worth of Freese & Nichols original work on the 
DFW International Airport and the $400 million Richland-Chambers 
Project; moreover, he has played an active role in the Colorado 
Municipal Water District and the West Central Texas Water District; 
and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Nichols has received numerous accolades for his 
work, including "Engineer of the Year" in Texas and several 
technical awards; also an active community service volunteer, he   
has been recognized with many humanitarian and civic commendations; 
and
	WHEREAS, First appointed to the Texas Board of Professional 
Engineers by then-Governor George W. Bush, Mr. Nichols served as 
chair in 2001 and 2002 and was reappointed to the board by Governor 
Rick Perry in 2003;  over the years, he has used his professional 
experience and exceptional leadership ability to guide the board 
through many challenges, including the Texas A&M bonfire 
investigation, sunset review, and implementation of the 
Self-Directed Semi-Independent Agency Project Act; and
	WHEREAS, This distinguished professional engineer has 
consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the protection 
of public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the profession 
of engineering in Texas, and his exemplary tenure with the Texas 
Board of Professional Engineers indeed deserves legislative 
commendation; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor Jim Nichols, P.E., for his outstanding 
service as chairman and board member for the Texas Board of 
Professional Engineers and extend to him warmest best wishes for 
success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Nichols as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.