Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced Cass County Engineer Jason Benson as a witness at today’s Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing entitled, “Implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Opportunities for Local Jurisdictions to Address Transportation Challenges.” Remarks as prepared for delivery can be viewed below:
“Thank you Chairman Cardin for holding this hearing today. It’s my privilege to introduce Jason Benson, who serves as the County Engineer for Cass County North Dakota. Cass County is in eastern North Dakota and is home to the state’s largest city, Fargo. Jason has been an invaluable asset to my office during the development and implementation of both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Water Resources Development Act. I am glad he is able to join us today so the committee can receive his valuable input on this topic. Strong local communities serve as the backbone of our state. And they require local leaders like Jason working on the ground level every day.
“As a side note, Jason is not only in DC today for this hearing. Yesterday, he attended a graveside service at Arlington Cemetery for his great uncle, Army Private First Class Robert Alexander, a North Dakotan from Tolley who gave the ultimate sacrifice during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Until recently, his remains had not been identified, but Jason and his father were able to attend the full honors service yesterday, bringing a welcomed conclusion to a what had been a long, open-ended saga. I wanted to take a minute to highlight Robert Alexander’s exemplary service to our nation.
“Jason himself has followed in his great uncle’s footsteps, serving 33 years in the U.S. Army and the Minnesota Army National Guard including four overseas combat or peacekeeping deployments.
“Jason has worked for Cass County for 22 years, and currently manages the infrastructure of nearly 637 miles of roads, over 564 bridge structures, and an annual budget of $20 million.
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“One of my greatest privileges as a Senator is bringing North Dakotans to Washington share their insight, expertise and critique. I am thrilled Jason is here on behalf of Cass County and Fargo and look forward to hearing his perspective.”