[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 149 (Wednesday, October 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO PARAMESHWARAN ``RAVI'' RAVISHANKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2013

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Perris, California and greater Riverside County are exceptional. 
Riverside County has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated 
community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and 
talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. 
Parameshwaran ``Ravi'' Ravishanker is one of these individuals. This 
year, Mr. Ravishanker will end his tenure as the Deputy General Manager 
of the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) after over 20 years of 
service.
  Under his guidance as Assistant General Manager and Deputy General 
Manager, Mr. Ravishanker has helped EMWD become an industry leader in 
water and wastewater management. He is responsible for having helped 
EMWD reach a historic water rights settlement with the Soboba Band of 
Luiseno Indians, which was signed into law by the President of the 
United States on July 31, 2008. This settlement has resulted in the 
recharging of an overdrawn groundwater basin, helping to secure water 
reliability in the region for future generations.
  Mr. Ravishanker has been instrumental in the surface and groundwater 
basin plans for the Santa Ana Watershed and San Jacinto Watershed, 
which have a combined population of just fewer than five million 
people. He helped initiate the implementation of three groundwater 
desalination facilities, a multipurpose wetlands facility and five 
wastewater treatment facilities. In addition, Mr. Ravishanker helped 
develop a water resources management plan that helped maximize state 
and federal funding opportunities, resulting in a more sustainable 
water supply portfolio for the District.
  Mr. Ravishanker previously served as a United Nations Consultant and 
the Deputy General Manager of the Santa Ana Watershed Project 
Authority. He has dedicated his career to the water industry and has 
always worked with a commitment to resource and environmental 
sustainability.
  In light of all Mr. Ravishanker has done for the city of Perris and 
the greater community, it is only fitting that he be honored for his 
many years of dedicated service. Mr. Ravishanker's tireless passion for 
the industry in which he serves has contributed immensely to the 
betterment of Riverside County and I am proud to call him a fellow 
community member, American and friend. I commend Mr. Ravishanker for 
his tireless work with the Eastern Municipal Water District. I know 
that many are grateful for his service and salute him as he prepares to 
end his tenure later this year.

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