SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 495

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize James M. Bass, who is retiring as executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation after 36 years of outstanding service to the agency; and

WHEREAS, James Bass began his career with the Texas Department of Transportation in 1985 as a summer worker in the Fort Worth District; in 1990, he began working as a part-time engineering aide in the Austin District while studying at The University of Texas at Austin, and in 1991, he completed his bachelor's degree in accounting; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Bass worked as a budget and forecasting manager for the department for several years, and in 1999, he was selected to serve as finance division director; in 2005, he became the agency's chief financial officer, and his impressive accomplishments included implementing several bond programs that allowed for the use of more than $18 billion for infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, he was named executive director, and under his leadership, the agency developed its largest 10-year transportation plan for the state; as head of the department, he has focused on expanding opportunities for employees through educational and outreach programs and partnerships, and he has prioritized increasing diversity and supporting a culture of inclusivity within the department; he successfully led the agency amid the challenges and devastation caused by multiple natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey, and he has ensured the well-being of the department's 12,000 employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, A widely respected public administrator, James Bass has guided the Texas Department of Transportation with skill, confidence, and compassion, and he has set lasting standards for excellence that will benefit the agency and the State of Texas long into the future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby commend James M. Bass on his exceptional career with the Texas Department of Transportation and on his invaluable contributions to the citizens of Texas and extend to him best wishes for success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Nichols

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 26, 2021.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate