GARLAND, Texas, May 3, 2006 - GP&L Linemen who restored power in East Texas following damage caused by Hurricane Rita were recognized for their efforts by Governor Rick Perry.

The Governor’s commendation recognized “the countless hours of hard work by the employees of municipally owned electrical utility companies across the state.” The message also recognized the linemen as “heroes” who stepped forward in a time of need, and thanked them for “ensuring the safety and well being of their fellow Texans.”

Mark Zion, Executive Director of the Texas Public Power Association, presented the commendation on behalf of the Governor at the regular Garland City Council Meeting on May 2, 2005.

In the days after Hurricane Rita hit the East Texas coast in September 2005, GP&L dispatched 13 linemen and several utility vehicles to assist the municipal electric utilities in the cities of Liberty and Jasper with extensive repairs to those local electric systems.