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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 507
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to |
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recognize Lance Simmons on the occasion of his retirement as |
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chief engineer of the Texas Department of Transportation after a |
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distinguished 32-year career; and |
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WHEREAS, In 1993, Lance Simmons earned a bachelor's degree |
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in civil engineering as a Terry Scholar at Texas A&M University, |
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and after graduating, he embarked on his impressive career with |
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the Texas Department of Transportation in the Atlanta District |
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Design Office; throughout the following three decades, he served |
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in numerous key roles, including as a bridge and special projects |
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engineer, director of operations, and district engineer of the |
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Bryan District; and |
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WHEREAS, In 2021, Mr. Simmons moved to Austin to assume the |
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role of director of Engineering and Safety Operations, and he was |
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appointed chief engineer in 2022; his astute leadership has been |
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instrumental in creating a culture of safety and improving the |
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department's overall communication and stewardship; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Simmons led the department to record highs in |
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project lettings, construction volumes, and pavement scores in |
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2024, and his dedicated service to the State of Texas was |
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recognized with the 2014 Luther DeBerry Award; his management of |
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the department and its operations during emergencies has |
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contributed to the collective strength of all its employees and |
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to the safety of drivers on Texas highways; and |
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WHEREAS, Respected and admired by his colleagues in the |
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department, Lance Simmons leaves behind an enduring legacy |
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defined by the relationships he has cultivated and by the high |
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standards he has upheld for the Texas Department of |
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Transportation; as he looks ahead to enjoying his retirement |
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alongside his wife Deanne, a fellow Texas Department of |
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Transportation retiree, it is indeed fitting that he receive |
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special recognition for his outstanding contributions to the |
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Texas Department of Transportation and to the people of the Lone |
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Star State; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th |
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Legislature, hereby commend Lance Simmons on his exemplary |
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career with the Texas Department of Transportation and extend to |
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him congratulations on his retirement and best wishes for the |
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future; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. |
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Nichols |
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________________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that the |
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above Resolution was adopted by |
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the Senate on May 12, 2025. |
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________________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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________________________________ |
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Member, Texas Senate |