A long-time friend of Missouri City was recently honored by Councilmembers, who paid tribute to him for helping to give residents a smooth ride for 30 years.
Mayor Allen Owen thanks Mr. Johnson for his service at the Dec. 21 Missouri City Council meeting. Photo courtesy of Missouri City.
Gabriel “Gabe” Johnson was recognized at a recent council meeting for his decades of service to the transportation industry. He is retiring from his position as director of Transportation, Planning and Development for the Texas Department of Transportation, and has worked closely with the city on numerous projects.
“It has truly been my pleasure to work with the outstanding staff of Missouri City on various projects in the Houston District specifically within the City of Missouri City,” Johnson said in accepting a plaque from Mayor Allen Owen.
Johnson oversees the largest district planning and design program in Texas. He was the 1999 recipient of the Dewitt C. Greer award in recognition of outstanding service in Highway Engineering with the Texas Department of Transportation. Johnson also received the Journey Toward Excellence Team award in 2007. He and his staff have managed, planned and developed eight future major corridors in the Houston District.
“I have known Gabe for a number of years. He gave each project the same importance, no matter how big or how small,” City Manager Frank Simpson said.
Public Works Director Scott Elmer also recognized Johnson’s model for how workers should go about doing business in a fair manner. “I think it’s a sign of the respect he has that when he told the Department of Transportation of his decision to retire, many people on his staff begged him to stay.”
