[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 14 (Wednesday, February 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E104-E105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DAVID H. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 8, 2006

  Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate David H. Smith 
of Rio Blanco County, as the honored recipient of the Wayne N. Aspinall 
Water Leader of the Year Award from the Colorado Water Congress.
  The career of David H. Smith reflects his extraordinary dedication to 
the protection of water rights in the State of Colorado. His inspiring 
leadership on these very important issues is greatly appreciated by all 
citizens of Colorado.
  Mr. Smith's passion for conservation and leadership in water issues 
lead to a 20-year tenure on the Colorado Water Conservation Board as 
well as 12 years of service as Rio Blanco County's director on the 
Colorado River Water Conservation Board. Mr. Smith's commitment to his 
community extends beyond water issues to service on the county planning 
commission and the local school board. Mr. Smith himself is a rancher 
in the region and has devoted his life to the protection and 
maintenance of this lifestyle.
  Family and friends have been quick to praise Mr. Smith as someone who 
has exemplified genuine concern for the water rights of the citizens of 
Colorado. Mr. Smith displayed his resolve during the oil-shale boom in 
the 1970s and 1980s when he guaranteed the preservation of property and 
water rights in Western Colorado. Later, during the 2002 drought, Mr. 
Smith was instrumental in negotiating a water-sharing plan for White 
River Valley ranchers and farmers.
  Even with all his public service, Mr. Smith maintains a strong family 
life, having been married to his wife Sue Ann for 53 years with two 
sons and a daughter.
  Mr. Smith's story is one of compassion and commitment, not only for 
the protection of the rights of the ranchers and farmers in his region 
but also for the maintenance of a lifestyle learned from his great-
grandfather, an immigrant from Scotland who introduced Mr. Smith to the 
ideas of irrigation. A life of service and leadership, of achievement 
and ambition, Mr. Smith's accomplishment is one that deserves 
recognition and respect by all citizens of Colorado who have benefited 
from his devotion.
  It is a tremendous honor to stand today and publicly recognize Mr. 
David H. Smith for his many contributions to the community. It is my 
privilege to extend congratulations to Mr. Smith for the receipt of the 
Wayne N. Aspinall Water Leader of the Year Award.

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