[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 128 (Friday, October 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ORLYN BELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to honor a 
remarkable human being, Orlyn Bell. For over three decades Orlyn has 
fought hard to ensure that the water of western Colorado is being 
distributed correctly and fairly. Orlyn is retiring as the Division 5 
water engineer, a position he has held in Glenwood Springs for just 
over 17 years. As Orlyn moves on to bigger and better things, I would 
like to take this opportunity to commend him on his service to the 
western slope of Colorado.
  Orlyn began his career in engineering as far back as 1965 where his 
summer job had him measuring the flow of a major flood of the South 
Platte River after it hit Denver. His work during this traumatic time 
earned him not only a citation from the Governor, but also sparked an 
interest that would soon become the focus of his professional career. 
In 1968 he graduated from the University of Denver, with a degree in 
civil engineering. After spending a few years working for the 
Washington Highway Department he moved back to Colorado where he began 
his legendary career in the state engineer's office.
  For almost two decades now, Orlyn has been one of seven engineers in 
charge of the seven different major river basins. The area in which he 
has represented is vast in size and the demand for water is much larger 
than the actual supply. This large area spans from the Continental 
Divide in central Colorado all the way through the Grand Valley on to 
the Utah border.
  The battle for water in Colorado is one that has sparked a great deal 
of controversy over the years, but Orlyn was able to manage these 
issues fairly and earn the respect of both eastern and western 
Colorado. Orlyn's contribution to the citizens and farmers of western 
Colorado is immeasurable. Orlyn you have served your community, State 
and Nation proudly and I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

                          ____________________