[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 199 (Thursday, December 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF THOMAS E. TAYLOR, P.E.

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2019

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas E. 
Taylor as he retires after 30 years as Executive Director for the Upper 
Trinity Regional Water District (UTRWD). Over the course of his career, 
he planned, directed, advanced and ultimately delivered UTRWD as a 
critical regional water supply system for the majority of the UTRWD 
member cities and other customers across Denton County.
  Mr. Taylor graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas with 
a degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he joined the City of 
Dallas as an entry-level engineer and rose through the ranks to become 
the youngest department head at the city, serving as head of three 
different departments. As Director of Dallas Water Utilities from 1980 
to 1986, he managed retail services for Dallas, plus wholesale water 
and wastewater services for 25 other cities. He was also responsible 
for adding two new water supply reservoirs to the system.
  Subsequently, Mr. Taylor helmed the Steering Committee to create a 
Master Plan for the future regional water supply needs of communities 
in the Denton County area. The plan included securing legislative 
approval for a new county-wide wholesale utility special district. 
Supported by many entities, the Upper Trinity Regional Water District 
was approved by the Texas Legislature June 16, 1989.
  Over the past 30 years as Executive Director, Taylor has effectively 
led the development and growth of UTRWD in meeting the needs of more 
than 25 participating communities. He recruited and developed a top-
notch staff to accomplish UTRWD's mission to acquire raw water 
supplies, implement strategies for treatment, delivery, reclamation and 
reuse of water resources. Under his leadership, the organization 
navigated the necessary permitting challenges to initiate permitting 
and construction of Lake Ralph Hall reservoir that will provide one of 
the first new water supply lakes necessary to continue support for the 
fast-growing communities composing the North Texas region.
  Taylor has been honored as one of the ``Top Ten Public Works Leaders 
in North America'' by the American Works Association. Also, for his 
concerted efforts and expertise to improve the profession of utilities, 
he was recognized by the American Water Works Association with the 
William T. ``Doc'' Ballard Award.
  Much of the economic growth and quality of life enjoyed by the 
communities in Denton County and North Texas would have been impossible 
without Tom Taylor's ambition, vision and work ethic. It is my honor to 
recognize Mr. Thomas E. Taylor's commitment as a public servant and the 
legacy he leaves in the form of UTRWD's important role in Texas' 
incredible economic growth and prosperity.

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