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Recognizing and honoring Pasquale "Pat" T. Deon, SEPTA Board Chairman, for his years of service to the authority and after he was chosen to receive the 2014 Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member Award by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
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WHEREAS, The APTA Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member Award is the industry's highest honor for transit board members, and the award recognizes: "An individual serving on the governing board of a public transportation system who has made outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry." Mr. Deon will receive this award at the APTA Annual Meeting on October 14, 2014 in Houston, TX; and
WHEREAS, A businessman from neighboring Bucks County, Pat Deon has served on the SEPTA Board of Directors since 1996, and has served as the Board Chairman since 1999. During his time on the board, Pat has used his private sector experience to establish a clear mission and vision for the transit organization's future; and
WHEREAS, At Mr. Deon's election as board chairman in 1999, SEPTA was facing a $75 million deficit. After jumping into action, Deon put in place a more efficient allocation of resources and cost controls, along with negotiating fair and affordable labor contracts. Under Pat's leadership, SEPTA has operated with balanced budgets for 15 consecutive years and is experiencing its higher ridership in a quarter century; and
WHEREAS, During Pat's tenure as chairman, SEPTA has completed major projects, including the reconstruction of a large portion of the Market Frankford Line, which is SEPTA's busiest route with a daily ridership of nearly 200,000 people. SEPTA was also the recipient of funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. With these funds, SEPTA completed 32 projects with $191 million in funding - resulting in major system and station improvements, while creating and supporting local jobs. SEPTA's Recovery Act Program was nation...
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