[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 6 (Friday, January 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E44]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF BILL HARRISON

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 10, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bill Harrison 
as he retires after 24 years with the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water 
Authority (Water Authority). Bill's commitment and dedication to the 
Water Authority deserves to be commended.
  Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Stanford 
University, and he continued his education at Theological Union in 
Berkeley, California where he received his Master's Degree in 
Systematic and Philosophical Theology. Although Bill's background did 
not begin in water management, he quickly learned the trade and became 
an asset to the Water Authority.
  Prior to the formation of the Water Authority in 1992, Bill served on 
the Board of Directors of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Users 
Association for 14 years. Currently, he serves on the board for the 
Central Valley Project Water Association where he represents the 
interests of 160 public agencies served by way of the Central Valley 
Project. In addition, he also serves on the board of the State and 
Federal Water Contractor's Agency which is comprised of water agencies 
dedicated to assuring a reliable and quality water supply for the 
costumers of their member agencies.
  Since 1994, Bill has been employed as the General Manager of the Del 
Puerto Water District. During his tenure, he brought 10 districts 
together which now make up the Del Puerto Water District. He was 
instrumental in negotiating and implementing a long series of interim 
renewal service contracts, resulting in the district's 2005 Long-Term 
Renewal Contract with the Bureau of Reclamation.
  As Director of the San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority, Bill 
develops and initiates policy recommendations for Board review. He 
works closely with the Board to develop and achieve the organization's 
purposes and goals. Bill's leadership and grasp on the issues has 
benefitted the Water Board for decades.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bill 
Harrison as he celebrates his retirement from the San Luis & Delta 
Mendota Water Authority. His tireless efforts and advocacy on behalf of 
farmers and residents throughout the Central Valley will undoubtedly be 
missed.

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