FOR RELEASE	Contact: Dennis Watson
06/07/2000 (Wednesday)	(202) 565-1596
No. 00-27	FIRS 1 (800) 877-8339
	www.stb.gov

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD CHAIRMAN LINDA J. MORGAN DEDICATES BOARDROOM TO FORMER COMMISSIONER J. J. SIMMONS III

Surface Transportation Board (Board) Chairman Linda J. Morgan officially dedicated the Board's eighth-floor boardroom as "The J. J. Simmons III Boardroom" during an all-employee awards ceremony held today at the Board's offices at 1925 K Street, N.W., in Washington, D.C. Chairman Morgan named Suite 800 as the "Simmons Boardroom" in honor of former Commissioner J. J. "Jake" Simmons for his outstanding public service in the area of transportation, his many contributions to responsible government, and his steadfast devotion to the professional well-being of agency employees during a tenure that ended with his service as one of the first three Board Members at the agency's inception on January 1, 1996.

During remarks made to the Board's staff, Chairman Morgan displayed a plaque marking the boardroom's dedication in recognition of Commissioner Simmons' 15 years of public service, and in particular his 12 years of service (1982-83, 1984-1995) as an Interstate Commerce Commissioner (ICC) and Board Member. In dedicating the "Simmons Boardroom," Chairman Morgan praised his work:

"It is a great privilege for me to be able to honor such a uniquely dedicated public servant. During my tenure at the ICC and the Board, I was blessed to have Commissioner Simmons as a colleague. His wisdom, common sense, integrity, professionalism and friendship continue to be a source of strength and guidance to all around him. The surface transportation community has been most fortunate to have someone of his commitment and experience involved in their issues. His significant contributions to transportation regulation and policymaking and his deep concern for the interests of the employees at the Board and the ICC make the dedication of this boardroom to Commissioner Simmons a fitting tribute to him and his legacy."

In reacting to the dedication, Commissioner Simmons noted that he was truly honored by the tribute, and felt privileged to have served in government and particularly with the outstanding public servants at the Board and the ICC.

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