SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 610

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Valente Olivarez Jr., who retired from his role at the Texas Department of Transportation after 25 years of exemplary service to the Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, Valente earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University--Kingsville and went on to become a licensed professional engineer; he began his career with the Texas Department of Transportation's Pharr District; he worked there for 15 years and earned two prestigious construction awards for projects he managed from the Association of General Contractors and the Texas Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, Valente moved to the Texas Department of Transportation's Corpus Christi District to oversee construction, maintenance, and traffic operations for the 10-county district; he distinguished himself for professional excellence, and he fostered a culture that encouraged employee development during his tenures as the director of operations, the deputy district engineer, and as district engineer leading the Corpus Christi District; and

WHEREAS, While serving as the director of operations, Valente managed the Harbor Bridge Project, a $1 billion undertaking slated to become the longest concrete segmental precast cable-stayed bridge in North America and the tallest structure in South Texas; he played an integral role in advancing the project through its most critical milestones, including complex design and construction issues and its groundbreaking event in 2016; and

WHEREAS, A highly regarded public servant, Valente made outstanding contributions to transportation projects throughout the Lone Star State during his service with the Texas Department of Transportation, and his presence at the department is greatly missed by his colleagues and by the members of the communities he served; and

WHEREAS, In all things, Valente has benefited from the love and support of his cherished wife, Kimberly, and his two children, Nathan Ezra and Nicholas Elijah; he is an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and in his retirement, he has continued to dedicate his time to his loved ones, to the many outdoor activities he enjoys, and to serving his community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby commend Valente Olivarez Jr. on his outstanding career and his many contributions to the Lone Star State; and, be it further

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

Hinojosa of Hidalgo

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 31, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate