[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 VALLEY FORWARD ASSOCIATION HONORS ARIZONA PROJECTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL 
                               EXCELLENCE

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                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 28, 1996

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I want to bring to the attention of my 
colleagues the selection of the city of Phoenix as the recipient of the 
highest award of the Valley Forward Association for work at the Tres 
Rios Constructed Wetland Demonstration Project. The city accepted 
Valley Forward's premiere award, the President's Award, at the 
organization's annual awards program on September 20, 1996, on behalf 
of its partner cities, Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe.
  The Tres Rios Constructed Wetlands Demonstration Project consists of 
approximately fourteen acres of wetlands constructed to evaluate and 
demonstrate the use of artificial wetlands to filter wastewater from 
the 91st Avenue Waste Treatment Plant while also providing valuable 
habitat and other benefits.
  Valley Forward Association was formed in 1969 to promote 
environmental, cultural and asthetic endeavors in the greater 
Metropolitan Phoenix area. Through the years, it has recognized many 
endeavors--private and industrial, commercial and governmental--for 
making the ``Valley of the Sun'' a better place to live. Valley 
Forward's awards program began in 1980 to recognize outstanding 
contributions to the physical environment of the surrounding 
communities. Through the years the awards program has grown to include 
innovative technologies, environmental education, achievements in 
public media, and artistic endeavors.
  Judges for this year's awards included representatives from 
universities, consultants, planners, architects, communications and 
businesses, who were selected for their knowledge of and contribution 
to environmental excellence. The President's Award bestowed on the Tres 
Rios Project was for special achievement in environmental excellence. 
It recognized a project that has tremendous potential for using 
wastewater to restore valuable wetlands in our region of the arid 
Southwest, creating fish and wildlife habitat and recreational 
opportunities in the community.
  I want to congratulate the city of Phoenix and all the other 
recipients for the honor that has been bestowed upon them and to bring 
to the attention of my colleagues this project, of which I have been a 
strong advocate during my tenure here in Congress.

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