[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15049-15050]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF TERRENCE ``TERRY'' O'BRIEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 26, 2012

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the long and 
distinguished career of Terry O'Brien, President of the Metropolitan 
Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
  Terry will retire this November, after 24 years of exemplary public 
service to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater 
Chicago (MWRDGC). Mr. O'Brien's integrity, along with his proven 
ability to be an effective leader, helped him to be elected President 
of the MWRDGC in 1997 for a two year term. As of 2011, he has been re-
elected President eight times unanimously by his fellow commissioners.
  Stemming from a long career in the environmental field, Mr. O'Brien 
has been able to bring extensive knowledge to enhance and streamline 
many of the tasks and responsibilities of the District at the least 
possible cost to local taxpayers. Further, based on his highest 
possible standard of public service and strong business sense, under 
President O'Brien's leadership, the MWRDGC is one of the few 
governmental agencies in the State of Illinois to have an AAA bond 
rating. This is a testament to his dedication to the citizens of the 
Chicagoland area to secure the highest possible return on investment. 
During his term as President the MWRDGC has abated over $262 million 
dollars back to the taxpayers of Cook County. In addition, Mr. O'Brien 
is an aggressive vocal advocate for maintaining the health of area 
residents by preventing pollution in Lake Michigan, local rivers, and 
streams. He has actively pursued continuous funding for the MWRDGC's 
Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP); this large undertaking captures sewer 
overflow before it can pollute the drinking water supply. Since TARP's 
implementation in 1985, over 950 billion gallons of combined sewer 
overflow have been captured that otherwise would have polluted the

[[Page 15050]]

area waterways. The system's final tunnel was completed in May of 2006, 
making all 109 miles of tunnel operational during rain events in Cook 
County.
  Mr. O'Brien spent seven years initiating the successful introduction 
and enactment of a flood reduction bill, which now gives the MWRDGC the 
responsibility of dealing with flooding and stormwater issues 
throughout Cook County. After many setbacks, the bill was passed on 
November 19, 2004 thanks in part to Mr. O'Brien's relentless efforts 
and determination. He also instituted the (800) 332-DUMP pollution 
hotline number for citizens to report illegal dumping of materials into 
sewers and waterways, enabling the District to take immediate action 
against these violators.
  Mr. O'Brien's strong interest in promoting fiscally sound, and 
taxpayer sensitive policies and programs, has led to a fiscally sound 
agency and to his promotion of aggressive use of District real estate 
holdings that are not needed for corporate use, again proving his 
commitment to reducing taxes that the District levies.
  President O'Brien's finest and most enduring legacy will be his 
leadership in bringing this once-troubled agency forward to become one 
of the most well-respected, fiscally sound and forward thinking public 
agencies in the nation.
  It is with great pride and respect that we salute President O'Brien 
for his many years of exemplary public service and dedication to 
cleaning up our Chicagoland waterways and Lake Michigan and we will be 
forever grateful for your vision and stewardship. We wish you great 
good luck in your years ahead.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. 
Terrence J. O'Brien and his service to the Chicagoland area. His 
tireless commitment and dedication will be missed, and I wish him the 
best of luck in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________