Rod Grams: “I am particularly impressed at how effectively the state agencies, GSA and the Defense Re-utilization and Marketing…”

“I am particularly impressed at how effectively the state agencies, GSA and the Defense Re-utilization and Marketing Service have worked together as a team to respond quickly and efficiently during times of national disasters and emergencies. Together they have successfully identified and transported sandbags, blankets, cots, tools, trucks and other equipment and supplies to disaster sites. In 1997, the state agencies and their federal partners faced a number of emergencies--and they delivered. And I know Minnesotans who suffered through the Midwest floods last year appreciated the relief provided to them during these horrible times. I recently received a letter from Dave Allen, Chief Pilot of the Minnesota State Patrol, and a recipient of surplus property distributed by the Minnesota State Agency for Surplus Property for the last several years. Mr. Allen wrote: In February 1997 our unit had the need for a twin engine airplane. One week after I made the request for this type of aircraft, Gene Glaeser called and said he had located an aircraft he thought would meet our needs. It was a Beechcraft Queen Air and it had been used by NASA for several years and was based at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. The Beechcraft Queen Air acquired from NASA including the training of six pilots cost the State approximately $35,000 to place it in service. This aircraft had been appraised at $150,000-$175,000 by an aircraft broker.”