[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING MEL AUST OF LAKE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 18, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
my dear friend Mel Aust, General Manager of the Hidden Valley Lake 
Community Services District in Lake County, California. Mel is being 
honored this evening on the occasion of his 20th anniversary with the 
district.
  Mel's contributions to the people of Lake County and California over 
the years are immeasurable. Mel was the driving force behind the water 
reclamation treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant to sustain 
build-out of the Hidden Valley Lake community. In 2001, his Community 
Services District helped build a ballpark at Coyote Valley Elementary 
School. He also secured $250,000 in labor grants to clean up Coyote 
Creek, Gallagher Creek and drainage ditches throughout the Hidden 
Valley Lake subdivision. He played a key role in crafting a letter that 
secured essential federal funding for the training and technical 
assistance HVLCSD offers to water and wastewater systems all over 
California.
  The list of boards and commissions on which Mel has served is equally 
impressive. Locally, he serves on the Lake County Business Outreach 
Team, the Board of Directors of the South Lake County Fire District and 
the Board of Directors of the Toys for Kids program. Statewide, he 
served on the Association of California Water Agencies Federal Affairs 
committee and the California Department of Water Resources Drought 
Preparedness Committee. Mel also serves as California's representative 
at the National Rural Water Association and is on NRWA's Asset 
Development, Legislative and Conference Committees.
  Mel is known across the state for his immense knowledge of complex 
water issues and his public speaking ability. He frequently lobbies in 
Sacramento and on Capitol Hill for the Association of California Water 
Agencies, American Water Works Association, California Rural Water 
Association and National Rural Water Association. He is the go-to 
speaker for these organizations when needed, often speaking to 
audiences of thousands with ease.
  Madam Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to recognize Mel Aust for 
his many years of service to the people of California and to thank him 
for his many contributions on behalf of our country and our community. 
I am proud to call him a friend. I join his wife, Connie, and all of 
our colleagues in congratulating him on this milestone.

                          ____________________