[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 4 (Friday, January 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GARY SEVERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 15, 2010

  Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and legacy 
of Gary Severson, who for the past 11 years has admirably served as 
Executive Director of the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments 
(NWCCOG).
  Mr. Severson has led the council with an openness and team spirit 
that has allowed for effective management, while developing 
partnerships among the city and county entities he served. Under his 
leadership, the NWCCOG has emerged as a viable cohort and has grown as 
a respected and valued resource in addressing regional issues. As a 
result, the Council's guidance has been sought by elected officials 
from Colorado to Washington, DC.
  Under Mr. Severson, the NWCCOG has taken responsibility for many 
complex federal and state projects with significant impact on programs 
including Weatherization, All-Hazards Emergency Management and Elevator 
Inspection Programs. The influence of his leadership has been 
particularly profound in protection of federal lands within the 
confines of the NWCCOG region.
  With more than 68 percent of the NWCCOG region being managed by 
federal agencies, his stewardship and insight have helped grow the 
Council into a recognized leader in National Forest Planning, Community 
Wildfire Protection Planning and mitigating the detrimental effects of 
bark beetle infestation. Such efforts have led to many accolades, 
including receipt of the prestigious USDA Rural Leadership Award.
  The future is bright for the region as the NWCCOG explores ways to 
expand on an economic base of recreation and construction. Mr. 
Severson's vision includes the possibilities of a sustainable wood 
products industry, enhancing higher education and upgrading medical 
services. He has truly left a lasting legacy of accomplishment.
  Madam Speaker, I proudly acknowledge the work and leadership of Gary 
Severson and extend to him the gratitude of the 28 member jurisdictions 
of NWCCOG for his 11 years as Executive Director. I wish him continued 
success in his future endeavors.

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