[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 102 (Thursday, June 19, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5828-S5829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING JOHN W. KEYS

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, unfortunately, a tragic accident is 
the occasion of my remarks today. On May 30, recently retired 
Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, John W. Keys, was killed, 
along with his passenger, when his plane crashed in Canyonlands 
National Park in Utah. John worked for the Bureau of Reclamation for 
close to 40 years, serving in most all regions including in Boise as 
regional director of the Pacific Northwest region. In

[[Page S5829]]

2001, President George W. Bush appointed him Commissioner of the 
Bureau, where he served for 5 years until his retirement in April 2006.
  John believed in the adapting mission of the Bureau of Reclamation. 
He joined the Bureau at the time in its history when the final projects 
it oversees today were being authorized. During his tenure, the Bureau 
went from constructing water projects in the West to maintaining and 
improving facilities and processes. John was well-known for his efforts 
to facilitate collaborative management and solutions to challenges. He 
was a man of solutions and integrity, and he cared deeply about people 
and our natural resources. Idaho benefited from John's leadership as he 
worked with the State legislature, interest groups, the Tribes and 
irrigation districts on solving some of the thorny issues that have 
arisen with Endangered Species Act requirements in the Columbia River 
system for species such as salmon and bull trout.
  In January, 2006, John spoke about the mission of the Bureau:

       Our mission has evolved from the construction of dams to 
     management and maintenance. As water management has evolved, 
     Reclamation has transformed into a more comprehensive water 
     management agency. Today, much of our focus is on improving 
     the safety, security, and efficiency of the facilities we 
     already have, as well as meeting environmental obligations. 
     The challenges we face today in maintaining and improving the 
     system are as formidable as those challenges that we 
     surmounted during Reclamation's construction heyday. One 
     priority is security . . . We feel more prepared and, 
     therefore, more secure against terrorism, than ever.
       A lot is changing, but some things remain constant. Since I 
     was appointed Commissioner in 2001, my main priority has been 
     carrying out Reclamation's core mission: deliver water, 
     generate power, do the things it takes to get that done, and 
     plan for the future. I'm interested not just in the next few 
     years, but in setting up the framework that will enable 
     Reclamation to succeed many years into the future.

  John left a tremendous legacy at work and in his family. He devoted 
his time in retirement to his family and his volunteer efforts with 
Angel Flight and other humanitarian efforts. He was a remarkable man 
who did remarkable things for the country and region he cared about so 
deeply. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this 
very difficult time.

                          ____________________