[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 29, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF RUSS POPPE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DAN CRENSHAW

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 2021

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank and honor a true 
public servant, the Executive Director of the Harris County Flood 
Control District, Russ Poppe.
  Russ is stepping down on July 2, 2021. During his five-year tenure as 
Executive Director, Russ made a lasting and significant impact to 
reduce the threat of flooding in Harris County.
  Russ's time at the Flood Control District was spent building solid 
relationships at the local, state, and federal levels. Russ's excellent 
network of contacts is partly responsible for the Flood Control 
District bringing in over one billion dollars in federal grants in the 
past few years. He has earned the trust of various agencies including 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Natural Resources Conservation 
Services, and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
  Russ led the Flood Control District through the worst rainfall event 
in American history, Hurricane Harvey in 2017. In the aftermath of 
Harvey, Russ helped former County Judge Ed Emmett pass the historic 
$2.5 billion Harris County Flood Bond in August 2018. After voters 
approved the bond program, Russ became the head of a multi-billion-
dollar enterprise, all with the purpose of helping his community in 
Harris County.
  Since that time, under Russ's leadership, the Flood Control District 
has started over 200 flood damage reduction projects and has increased 
project delivery volume over ten times.
  Russ's leadership and professionalism will be missed at the Flood 
Control District. Russ always practiced leadership by inspiration, not 
intimidation. Russ and his staff have spent countless hours working 
with my staff and me to ensure we understand the tremendous challenges 
the Harris County area faces when it comes to reducing flooding.
  I wish to thank him for his service and wish him all the best. I am 
certain that he will continue his success at the next stop on his 
career journey.

                          ____________________