[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 153 (Thursday, November 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING STEVE FURLONG

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2005

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public 
tribute to a remarkable public servant and citizen from my 
congressional district. Steve Furlong recently announced his retirement 
from the US. Army Corps of Engineers, bringing to a close 35 years of 
achievement and success managing lake projects in Central Kentucky.
  Raised on a farm near the Mammoth Cave National Park, Steve's career 
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began in 1970 at nearby Barren 
River Lake where he worked as a Temporary Laborer. Within a year, he 
was selected as a permanent Park Ranger at Green River Lake. Steve 
returned to Barren River Lake in 1974 to continue work as a Park 
Ranger. Three years later, he was assigned to oversee the construction 
of the project office at Rough River Lake. Due to his outstanding 
performance, he was selected soon thereafter to be the permanent Park 
Manager at Rough River Lake.
  Under Steve's management, Rough River Lake was named the 1980 
National Project of the Year, among 400 Corps projects across the 
country. Steve was recognized for his efforts that year with receipt of 
both the Louisville District and the Ohio River Division Achievement 
Awards, along with the Commander's Award for the Louisville District. 
Steve was installed as Operations Manager of the Green River Area, with 
oversight of four regional lake projects, later that same year.
  Throughout the last 25 years, Steve's adept management and work ethic 
on behalf of the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers has established four 
nationally recognized recreational sites that will be enjoyed by many 
for generations to come. During his tenure, lake facilities have been 
upgraded and improved to meet changing demands, supporting high quality 
outdoor recreational experiences for over six million people each year. 
Combined, the Green River Area now contributes an estimated annual $1.7 
million to the regional economy.
  In addition to his professional responsibilities, Steve Furlong has 
built a legacy as a model citizen and community leader, volunteering 
for a variety of local organizations including Meals on Wheels, Habitat 
for Humanity, the Board of Hospice, Boy Scouts of America, and Youth 
League Baseball.
  It is my great privilege to recognize Steve Furlong today, before the 
entire US. House of Representatives, for his leadership and service. 
His unique achievements and unwavering dedication to the communities of 
the Green River Area make him an outstanding American worthy of our 
collective honor and appreciation.

                          ____________________