[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 79 (Friday, May 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     A TRIBUTE TO JERALD R. BUTCHERT

                                 ______


                         HON. CALVIN M. DOOLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 12, 1995
  Mr. DOOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Jerald 
R. Butchert, a personal friend of mine and a man who has worked 
tirelessly to make the San Joaquin Valley the most fertile agricultural 
land on Earth. Jerry is retiring May 31 as general manager of the 
Westlands Water District.
  For the past 18 years, Jerry has been general manager of the Nation's 
largest agricultural water district, a district which approximately 
equals the State of Rhode Island in area.
  Jerry has built a career on the prudent management of water, and has 
helped build Westlands into one of the most impressive water-delivery 
systems in the world.
  Jerry was a key participant in the negotiations that led to the 
Reclamation Reform Act of 1982, legislation which forever changed the 
face of the Westlands' farming operations, and created new 
opportunities for young landowners and farmers. He also led the 
district's ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government on the need 
for adequate drainage service.
  More recently, Jerry was active in discussions that led to the 
historic Bay-Delta agreement, an agreement that helped bring stability 
to the Delta and to California's agricultural water supply. He is 
currently playing an important role in efforts to reform the 1992 
Central Valley Project Improvement Act.
  A civil engineering graduate of Fresno State College, Jerry began his 
career as an engineer for the Fresno Irrigation District. He later 
served as the executive officer of the Eel River Water Council, and as 
the legislative representative in Washington, DC for the Metropolitan 
Water District of Southern California.
  He has continued to be active in water organizations throughout his 
career, serving as a director of the National Water Resources 
Association, the Central Valley Project Water Association, and the San 
Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority. He is a member of the Drainage 
Oversight Committee of the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Program, the 
Association of California Water Agencies, and the American Society of 
Civil Engineers.
  Jerry and his wife, Carrie Lou, have four children and five 
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Jerry Butchert has a long record of achievement in his 
career. He has earned our honor and respect in his retirement. Mr. 
Speaker, please join me and my colleagues in recognizing by good friend 
Jerry Butchert.


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