[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 157 (Monday, September 24, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO RED ARNDT

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I recognize Red Arndt for his 
many years of service to the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, as 
well as his lifetime commitment to bringing safe and reliable water to 
the rural corners of this country.
  Born Lennis Arndt on May 1, 1948, he earned the nickname, ``Red,'' 
while in grade school from his full head of red hair. The name stuck, 
and most people only know him today as Red Arndt.
  Red grew up in Springfield, MN, about 90 minutes from his current 
hometown, Luverne, where he first started working in 1989 as their 
public utilities director. Shortly after beginning his new position, 
Red heard about a proposal to bring water from the Missouri River in 
South Dakota to the surrounding States. A major undertaking with more 
people doubting the idea than supporting, Red saw the opportunity and 
potential, recommending to the mayor and city council that Luverne join 
and become one of the first members of the corporation that would later 
become the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System.
  Seeing Lewis & Clark develop from conception to construction was a 
labor of love for Red and a mission he fought hard to achieve. Red, one 
of only two original directors from 1990 still on the board, held a 
shovel when the ground was first broke in 2003. He has probably made 
over 60 trips to Washington, DC, and many more to the State capitals 
and attended countless county, city, and community meetings.
  Fighting to get Lewis & Clark off the ground was just a starting 
point for Red. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of the project, 
serving as the vice chairman of the board beginning in 1994, until 
becoming the board chairman in 2006, a position he still holds. Lewis & 
Clark has experienced ups and downs during those years; yet under Red's 
leadership, over 200 miles of pipeline have been laid in the ground 
currently delivering much needed water to 14 member communities and 
rural water projects, reaching over 300,000 people across South Dakota, 
Minnesota, and Iowa. He has seen over $470 million in funding to Lewis 
& Clark, including $57 million in advance funding from the three 
States.
  Red's indisputable dedication was demonstrated when he participated 
in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the water treatment plant in August 
2012, a mere 2 weeks after having open heart surgery. His fellow 
directors surprised him at the ceremony by presenting him with the 
Lewis & Clark Trailblazer Award, which is the organization's highest 
honor.
  In May 2016, Luverne was finally able to celebrate their connection 
to Lewis & Clark, with Red reveling in taking the first swig of water. 
It was at this ceremony that the meter building in Luverne was 
dedicated in Red's honor. Red will be the first to acknowledge that 
this endeavor, benefiting generations to come in the tristate area, has 
been a true team effort. But, there is no question Red's vision for the 
future, dogged dedication, and strong leadership have been a driving 
force through the years.
  When he is not dedicating his time to Lewis & Clark, Red is a proud 
father of three boys--all sharing his red hair--and grandfather of 
three red-headed little girls. His family is his pride and joy. You 
will often find Red wearing a pin honoring his son who served in the 
U.S. Air Force.
  As a dessert first type of guy, Red lives life to the fullest, 
enjoying travel, fishing and numerous other outdoor activities in his 
free time, as well as hanging out in his ``man cave.'' I am grateful 
for his commitment to public service, his hard work on behalf of Lewis 
& Clark, and, more importantly, I am proud to call him a friend.
  I commend Red Arndt for his many great contributions and wish him the 
best as he continues to make the most out of the life God has 
given.

                          ____________________