[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 141 (Tuesday, September 29, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S7004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LOWELL PIMLEY

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, it is my pleasure to honor Director 
Lowell Pimley of the Bureau of Reclamation as he retires after more 
than three decades of public service. The values of hard work and 
practicality that he learned on his family's farm outside Chester, 
Montana, have echoed loudly throughout his 35-year career with the 
Bureau of Reclamation. On the occasion of his retirement, I would like 
to thank him, farmer to farmer, for the long hours, the technical 
expertise, and the uniquely Western perspective he has brought to bear 
on this demanding job.
  Lowell Pimley joined the Bureau of Reclamation in 1980 as a civil 
engineer after graduating from Montana State University with his 
bachelor's and master's degree in Civil Engineering. He applied himself 
to developing, designing, and supporting tunnels, bridges, pipelines, 
and other infrastructure projects. As he gained recognition for his 
engineering skills and his leadership ability, Mr. Pimley rose through 
the ranks to become the Technical Service Center Director in 2008. 
There, he led a team of more than 500 engineers, scientists, and 
technicians as they assisted in the planning, design, and construction 
of water resource projects.
  Mr. Pimley came to Washington, DC, to become the Deputy Commissioner 
for Operations in 2013 and began overseeing all five of Reclamation's 
regions and the Native American and International Affairs Office. In 
2014, Secretary Jewell recognized his talents and appointed Mr. Pimley 
to serve as Acting Commissioner. While serving in Washington, Mr. 
Pimley testified before Congress both as the Deputy Commissioner and 
Acting Commissioner, representing his agency well and providing 
Congress with his valuable insight.
  The Bureau of Reclamation has already acknowledged Mr. Pimley's 
outstanding service over his career, including the Meritorious Service 
Award in 2012 and a Distinguished Service Award in 2015 for his 
outstanding leadership, dedication, and accomplishments. He is widely 
respected by his peers, stakeholders, and folks across the country. To 
that list of appreciation, I would like to add my own thanks and 
congratulations on a career dedicated to public service. As he retires, 
he can be proud of his lasting legacy, ensuring that Reclamation 
continues to supply water and power to the farms, towns, and 
communities of the West.
  I again offer Mr. Pimley my warmest congratulations and hope that he 
enjoys a rich and rewarding retirement with his wife, Debbie, and their 
children Ashley, Brittany, and Brian, as they head back West to 
Littleton, Colorado, and to the family farm near Chester, 
Montana.

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