[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E231-E232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BOB CALLEGARI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2002

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend a devoted public servant, 
Bob Callegari, who is retiring following 31 years of dedicated service 
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Bob and I have worked together 
in Philadelphia to advance many waterway projects and I am confident 
these projects will benefit the entire region for many years to come, 
serving as a legacy to the Army Corps, and the man responsible for 
their implementation.
  Bob Callegari began his career in 1971, with the North Atlantic 
Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He served initially as an 
economist on the North Atlantic Regional Water Resources Study, and 
from 1972 to 1976 as the Chief of the New York Metro Study Section of 
the North East Water Supply Study, which resulted in the authorization, 
by Congress, of a $3.2 billion water supply project.
  From 1977 through 1987, Mr. Callegari served in the Passaic River 
Study Branch, New York District, as Technical Coordinator, Acting 
Branch Chief and Branch Chief. During his tenure, Mr. Callegari led the 
development of the largest Phase I General Design Memorandum at that 
time, a $21 million effort. Additional projects totaling $1.5 billion 
were authorized, including a flood warning system. As a result, Mr. 
Callegari's organization was the recipient of numerous awards for 
outstanding performance.
  Bob Calllegari came to the Philadelphia District as Chief of the 
newly organized Planning Division in 1987. At that time, the 
Philadelphia District had only five active planning studies and one 
project authorized for construction. Recognizing the needs of the 
region and the Corps unique capability in flood control, Bob 
effectively outreached to potential customers and partners generating 
widespread congressional support. His efforts resulted in an impressive 
increase in construction or planning projects.
  Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Transportation and 
Infrastructure committee and in my previous role as ranking member of 
the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Development, I have worked 
closely with Mr. Callegari to advance projects crucial to improving and 
protecting the Philadelphia waterways. He believes, as I do, that we 
must enhance, preserve and protect our waterways, improving our 
environment in the process.
  With congressional support, and Mr. Callegari's leadership, we have 
successfully reconstructed a seawall at the historic Glen Foerd on the 
Delaware and made needed waterway improvements at Pennypack Creek and

[[Page E232]]

Philadephia's famed Boathouse Row. The Delaware River channel deepening 
project is now in its first construction phase. We have established a 
pilot program for water-related ``browhfields'' environmental cleanup 
at the East Central Incinerator so that abandoned industrial sites can 
be cleaned for waterfront reuse and redevelopment.
  Mr. Speaker, these projects would not have occurred without the 
persistence and passion of Mr. Callegari's diversified planning program 
which includes environmental restoration, beneficial use of dredged 
material projects and effective use of the Corps' Continuing 
Authorities Program to address the needs of the region. His leadership 
has earned him the distinctive deFleury Bronze Medal, a well-deserved 
honor.
  I am proud to have worked with Bob in sharing a vision of maintaining 
and improving our waterways. As he seeks new professional challenges, I 
am confident that his distinguished career with the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers will benefit all citizens.

                          ____________________