[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E149]]
   A TRIBUTE TO BILL MILLS, THE FATHER OF THE SANTA ANA RIVER FLOOD 
                            CONTROL PROJECT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHRISTOPHER COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2002

  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to commend Bill 
Mills who is retiring on April 1st after completing a successful term 
as the general manager of the Orange County Water District.
  An innovative leader, for the past fourteen years Bill Mills has 
spearheaded both conservation and reclamation water projects to aid one 
of the largest counties in the nation. Recognizing the long-term need 
to reduce Orange County's dependence on imported supplies, Bill has 
been at the forefront to promote new technologies that would improve 
the quality of both surface and groundwater supplies. Under his 
leadership, the Orange County Water District has pioneered some of the 
most exciting changes in water management as well as maintaining one of 
the highest financial ratings for a water agency in the state of 
California.
  What was once considered to be only practical in theory, the ability 
to purify wastewater for reuse, became a reality during Bill's tenure. 
An accomplished civil engineer, Bill advanced a project referred to as 
``Water Factory 21,'' a model water filtration system. This new 
technology has enabled Orange County residents and businesses alike to 
recycle a useless product into one of the most important resources 
needed to maintain irrigation needs during drought. And of course, 
today, this ``new'' technology is now the norm for many cities and 
counties throughout the nation and world. Because of Bill's leadership 
on this project, Orange County is now taking the next step to transfer 
this critical technology to help solidify other water needs.
  Bill's keen ability to recognize early on the potential of new 
technologies such as Water Factory 21 have earned him praise and 
recognition from his colleagues throughout the world and numerous 
awards, including ``Water Leader of the Year.'' The recognition of the 
Orange County Water District as a leading public agency is a tribute to 
his legacy. I know that many of my colleagues here in this House 
personally gained from Bill's expertise when he traveled several times 
to Washington, D.C. to testify on groundwater and water quality issues. 
Always thinking ahead, Bill developed a 20-year master plan to guide 
the County's future groundwater planning--including tackling a major 
flood control project for an area that was once considered the biggest 
flood threat west of the Mississippi. Due in large part to the 
expertise he shared with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Orange 
County is no longer designated as a flood threat area.
  Today, I join my fellow California colleagues to thank Bill for all 
of his hard work and dedication. Orange County is a better place to 
live because of his foresight. In behalf of the United States Congress 
and all of the people of Orange County whom it is my privilege to 
represent, congratulations to Bill Mills, and best wishes for a well-
deserved retirement.

                          ____________________