[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE CAREER OF MR. DAN NELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 2016

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my good friend Dan 
Nelson, who is retiring after 24 years as the original Executive 
Director of the San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority. Since its 
inception the Water Authority has been well-served by Dan's brilliance, 
positive outlook, enormous knowledge and engaging personality.
  Dan was educated at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire and 
Fresno State after having grown up in Los Banos, California. Dan 
brought the experience to the fledgling Water Authority that he gained 
as General Manager of the San Luis Water District (1987-1991) and the 
Broadview Water District (1979-1987), as well as experience in the 
Operations Division of the San Luis Canal Company (1977-1979).
  As Executive Director Dan promoted respect, integrity, fairness, 
creativity, drive and a deep appreciation of family among those that he 
worked with. To address the complex issues before the Water Authority 
Dan had the vision to create a three-legged strategy for both short and 
long-term issues: administrative engagement, regulatory/legislative 
engagement, and litigation. This approach fostered a framework for 
thoughtful decision-making during challenging times.
  Dan served the water community outside of his responsibilities with 
the Water Authority by participating in numerous water-related 
organizations such as the Land Preservation Association, California 
Irrigation Institute, Association of California Water Associations, 
California Water Education Foundation and many other boards, 
committees, and stakeholder groups.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me, as well as the entire 
San Luis Delta-Mendota Water Authority family, in recognizing Dan 
Nelson's 24 years of service.

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