PHILADELPHIA, PA – Pennoni is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2019 Ellipse Award is Congressman Bill Shuster, former Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Ellipse Award is bestowed annually to a member of the community who has improved the quality of life through pioneering or innovative approaches to infrastructure development or redevelopment. Mr. Shuster received the award at the annual Ellipse Gala on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA.
In 2001, Mr. Shuster was elected to Congress to represent the people of Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District, and throughout his public service he has proven himself to be a leader on local and national issues. Recognizing the direct link between America’s infrastructure and the strength of our economy, Mr. Shuster immediately sought to serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He became Chairman of that Committee in 2013 after previously having served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, and then as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Mr. Shuster spearheaded laws for much of our nation’s infrastructure, including the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act, the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and multiple Water Resources Developments Acts and authorizations of the United States Coast Guard. His accomplishments before becoming Chairman include the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act; the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act; and serving on the Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina.
Bill Shuster’s father Bud was awarded the 2013 Ellipse Award for his time serving as the Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee while in Congress.
“Throughout Bill’s career, his dedication to infrastructure has been at the forefront, and because of that he is deserving of this honor. Bill has advocated for roads, transit, and water resource improvements and he plans to continue these efforts in retirement as well.” said Pennoni Founder and Chairman, C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni, PE.