Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) was presented today with the National Association of Development Organizations 2006 Congressional Partnership Award for Community and Economic Development Support for outstanding leadership in promoting federal community, economic and transportation development programs as well has his efforts on behalf of Southeast and East Texas to secure federal hurricane recovery funding.

Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Chester Jourdan and Executive Committee member Sour Lake Councilwoman Suzie Simmons were both on hand to meet with Congressman Brady and present him with this with award in his Washington, D.C. office.

Councilwoman Simmons in presenting the award to Congressman Brady remarked that, "This award represents our truly wanting to thank you for your hard work on behalf of the communities in East and Southeast Texas."

Congressman Brady told Jourdan and Simmons he was honored to receive the award and would continue to work hard to promote the interests of communities in East and Southeast Texas in Congress.

Aside from hurricane funding relief, Chester Jourdan commented that looking toward the future, the focus of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission would be the priorities of the Rural Transportation District, health care related issues for the under and uninsured, and rural economic development.

Congressman Brady was one of only 56 House of Representative members to receive this award. Nominees were evaluated on their support of National Association of Development Organization policies and priorities, such as reauthorization and funding of the Economic Development Administration, strengthening the role of rural local officials in transportation planning and supporting a leadership role for regional development organizations in homeland security and emergency management preparedness. Nominees were also evaluated on the level of support shown to regional development organizations within their state.