[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 126 (Thursday, August 1, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CHRIS HARRIS

 Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, after nearly a quarter century 
of leadership, Chris Harris will retire this August from his position 
as the executive director of the Colorado River Board of California. I 
rise today to honor his legacy of consensus-building and conservation 
of one of the West's most vital waterways.
  Chris got his start in water management in the mid-1980s, 
investigating water rights and uses as part of the stream adjudication 
process in Arizona. By 2000, Chris moved to southern California to join 
the Colorado River Board of California, where he would go on to serve 
for nearly a decade as executive director.
  During his time with the Colorado River Board of California, Chris 
distinguished himself with his natural ability to find common ground on 
the thorniest of issues around managing the Colorado River. Chris 
consistently found ways to bring States, international partners, Tribal 
governments, and the Federal Government together to protect the 
Colorado River. Among his most impressive accomplishments were his 
successes in forging binational agreements with Mexico, bringing 
parties together to form California's historic Quantification 
Settlement Agreement in 2003, establishing the Lower Colorado River 
Multi-Species Conservation Program in 2005, and bringing all the Lower 
Basin States to commit to conserving an additional 3-million-acre feet 
of water during the period of 2023-2026.
  His work with the Colorado River Board has protected a vital resource 
for the millions of Californians and Americans who depend on it. His 
leadership demonstrated the qualities we need in environmental 
management, and his career set a national example for drought 
mitigation, species preservation, water use, and Tribal engagement.
  On a personal note, Chris has been an invaluable partner to me as we 
have navigated complex negotiations over the future of the Colorado 
River during my time as a U.S. Senator. But more than that, he has been 
a selfless teacher and mentor for the next generation of water 
managers, who now have a blueprint for our State's future thanks to 
Chris' dedication.
  Beyond his role protecting California's water supply, Chris is a 
Coast Guard veteran, a loving husband to Susan, and a caring father to 
Doug, Amber, Chelsey, and Jacob.
  And while we were never quite able to convert him to become a Dodgers 
fan or convince him to wear a Lakers jersey, today there is no doubt in 
my mind that he is as appreciated and as much a Californian as anyone, 
and California is grateful for his service.
  As Chris embarks on this new chapter in his life, his absence will 
undoubtedly be felt by all those fortunate enough to have collaborated 
with him. I extend my heartfelt wishes to Chris and his family for a 
joyful retirement.

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