[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 -EXEMPLARY VOLUNTEERISM: TOBIAS GEIGER

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                         HON. RICHARD M. NOLAN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and thank Tobias 
Geiger from East Central Electric Cooperative in my district for his 
service and sacrifice to put into action cooperative principle #6--
cooperation among cooperatives. In March this year, Tobias traveled to 
Haiti as a volunteer for the NRECA International Foundation where he 
helped build the country's first electric cooperative. This work is 
part of a rural electrification project managed by NRECA International 
and funded by the United Nationals Environmental Program, USAID, and 
the Inter-American Development Bank.
  Electricity is a critical element in improving the quality of life 
and to providing healthcare, education, access to clean water and 
economic opportunity. In Haiti, less than 15 percent of the population 
has regular access to electricity. Tobias spent two weeks in the town 
of Coteaux to help build a distribution system that will interconnect 
three towns. Upon completion, the diesel-solar hybrid electric system 
will provide safe, affordable and reliable power to 1600 consumers. His 
contribution included upgrading and installing new power lines, 
training locally hired linemen in proper construction methods, pole 
climbing techniques, proper handline use, and important safety 
practices.
  Thank you Tobias Geiger, for your dedication and commitment.

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