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[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.
____________________
