[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9078]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. J.J. AMARO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2004

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. J.J. Amaro, 
a great friend who has distinguished himself as a civil and community 
leader. As a member of the San Antonio Water System Board of Trustees 
since 1994, Mr. Amaro has provided our local water supply company and 
the San Antonio community with outstanding service and dedication. He 
has been the voice of many who for too many years had no voice.
  During Mr. Amaro's decade of tenure, the San Antonio Water System has 
enjoyed an unparalleled period of innovation and has become a model for 
water systems across the country while maintaining low water rates for 
consumers. Mr. Amaro and the board created a 50-year master plan that 
was approved in 1998 to provide for San Antonio's steeply growing 
population. Importantly, he has worked with the board to bring water 
resources to people and neighborhoods long overlooked in our city's 
history.
  By implementing new technologies, the San Antonio Water System has 
developed premier water recycling programs as well as an aquifer 
storage and recovery system to protect this precious resource. In 
addition, he has helped SAWS protect the Edwards Aquifer--the principal 
source of our drinking water--by implementing regulations and 
purchasing 9,000 acres within the recharge zone. In recognition of 
these improvements, this utility has earned numerous awards for 
environmental excellence, quality engineering designs, and public 
education programs.
  While the San Antonio Water System has benefited immensely from Mr. 
Amaro's expertise, other organizations have also been fortunate to have 
his generous assistance. Mr. Amaro serves as a board member for the St. 
Peter/St. Joseph Children's Home and the United Negro College Fund.
  On May 12, 2004, colleagues, friends and family will gather together 
to recognize J.J. Amaro's leadership and numerous hours of community 
service on behalf of the people of San Antonio. It is a pleasure to 
recognize and thank Mr. Amaro for his many contributions and public 
service. I ask the Members of the House of Representatives to join me 
in honoring this gentleman on his retirement from the San Antonio Water 
System Board of Trustees and wish Mr. J.J. Amaro and his family all the 
best on this special day.

                          ____________________