[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 54 (Friday, May 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E714-E715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PAYING TRIBUTE TO RALPH W. ADKINS -------

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, May 2, 2002--

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize Ralph W. 
Adkins for his contributions to the State of Colorado. After thirty 
years of serving on the board of the Southeastern Colorado Water 
Conservancy District and diligently serving as the Chair of the 
District for eleven years, Ralph is moving on with his career. I can 
think of no better way to thank Ralph for his countless hours of 
service than to recognize his time on the board.
  Ralph was born, raised and educated in Colorado. His interest in 
water issues began at an early age. As a student at Colorado Southern 
University, Ralph was on the development team for the design of the 
partial water flume. This project would be the beginning of Ralph's 
lifetime of service to Colorado's water issues. Ralph began on the 
board of the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District in 1973. 
In 1991, he was appointed President of the Board of Directors and has 
held that position until this year. Ralph has also served as a past 
Executive Committee Member and current member of

[[Page E715]]

the Colorado Water Congress, and on the Advisory Committee for the 
Colorado State University Department of Engineering for Engineering 
Dean's Council. Ralph is also a life member of both the American Water 
Works and the National Water Resources Association.
  In addition to his duties on a number of boards, Ralph serves 
southern Colorado as a water engineer as a member of the firm Adkins & 
Associates and has done so since 1983. Ralph took a brief break from 
Colorado and its water issues to serve his country in World War II. As 
a member of the U.S. Navy, Ralph proudly served his country as a line 
officer. Ralph is also known as a loving husband and devoted father of 
three and grandfather of four. He is also involved in his community as 
a member of the Masons and the Rotarian club.
  Mr. Speaker, Ralph's dedication and commitment to improving the lives 
that are touched by Colorado water is an example to us all. It is the 
hard work and leadership that Ralph has provided not only to the 
Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District but also the whole 
state that I wish to bring before this body of Congress. Thank you, 
Ralph, for all that you have done for Colorado and this nation and good 
luck in your future endeavors.

                          ____________________