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