[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E34]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO MIKE GIBSON

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                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 12, 2016

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Mike Gibson. 
Mr. Gibson served as the manager of the San Luis Valley Water 
Conservancy District, and recently retired after serving 14 years to 
the area. He is a standout citizen, demonstrated by his hard work and 
dedication to his former job, and was recently named Water Manager of 
the Year by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Division 3 of the 
Rio Grande Basin. This is the second time he received this award in 
seven years. Mr. Gibson's ability to effectively manage water 
reinforces his commitment to excellent service to the people of 
Southern Colorado.
   The Colorado Division of Water presents this award to a person 
involved in water management within the Rio Grande Basin who has shown 
outstanding effort in the management of their water, and demonstrated 
leadership in the larger water issues facing the basin. Water is a 
scarce resource in Colorado and the effective management of it is a top 
priority. Mr. Gibson has consistently demonstrated his ability to 
manage water and, as a result, has earned multiple Manager of the Year 
awards, respect from his colleagues, and the gratitude of the Southern 
Colorado communities which he serves.
   Mr. Gibson's passion for water related issues was reflected not only 
by his work at the San Luis Valley Water Conservation District, but 
also by his leadership on other organizations, including the Rio Grande 
Basin Roundtable, Rio Grande Natural Area Commission, and his past 
duties as president of the Colorado Water Congress. His willingness to 
collaborate and volunteer speaks to his dedication not only to 
protecting the basin's water resources but to educating its citizens as 
well.
   Mr. Speaker, Mike Gibson truly deserves the admiration he has 
received from the Colorado water community over the years. His services 
were immensely important for the communities in the San Luis Valley, 
and he is among the very best of the water managers in the Third 
Congressional District of Colorado. Mr. Gibson's work has been 
invaluable over the last several years. I applaud him for his 
outstanding accolades and his successful career, and I wish him well in 
his retirement.

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