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[Pages S1789-S1790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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TRIBUTE TO HARRY C. LABONDE, JR.
Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, today I recognize the
distinguished career of Harry C. LaBonde, Jr., who, following decades
of service in the State of Wyoming, is retiring this week.
Harry began his career shortly after graduating from college with a
civil engineering degree. His first job allowed him to specialize on
issues related to water and wastewater treatment. In 1991, he became
the public works director for the city of Riverton. He went on to serve
in the same position for the city of Laramie, until he later became
city manager. For the past 15 years, Harry worked for the State of
Wyoming, first as Wyoming's Deputy State Engineer and, more recently,
as director of the Wyoming Water Development Office.
When at the State Engineer's office, Harry was involved with
addressing a backlog of coal-bed methane reservoir permits in the
Powder River Basin and transitioning the office from paper to
electronic records, which required the modernization of millions of
documents related to water and permits.
[[Page S1790]]
Wyoming was also facing severe water shortages due to an extended
period of drought, requiring Harry to make the difficult decisions
resulting from those shortages.
As director, Harry was instrumental in carrying out key
responsibilities of Wyoming's Water Development Office: developing
Wyoming's water resources through sound water planning and use. Water
is a precious resource in the west. It is key to maintaining an
excellent quality of life, economic security, and growth. Through
Harry's leadership, numerous water storage projects are underway in the
State, which will help Wyoming realize its water storage potential for
today and to serve communities tomorrow. Whether it is through the
reconstruction of the Middle Piney Dam or the storage enhancement
project at Fontenelle Reservoir, Harry understands the importance of
securing water resources in the State for future Wyoming generations.
In addition to reservoir planning and construction, Harry oversaw the
development of river basin plans, weather modification projects,
addressing watershed threats from wildfires, and carrying out the Small
Water Project Program. Water affects everyone. Making sure Wyoming's
water resources are used efficiently and responsibly for the benefit of
the people of Wyoming is a responsibility Harry takes very seriously.
Harry's expertise and the strong relationships he has fostered
throughout the basins we share with neighboring States is invaluable.
He has contributed to a number of regional water supply efforts,
including the Colorado River Basin States Salinity Control Program. He
also serves as Wyoming's representative on the Platte River Recovery
Implementation Program, a cooperative agreement with Nebraska,
Colorado, and the Federal Government, to maintain water usage and
development by implementing conservation practices for certain
endangered and threatened fish and birds.
We are fortunate Harry chose early in his professional life to use
his skills and talents to focus on water. He has dedicated his career
to being a water advocate for the people of Wyoming and to finding
long-term solutions to securing Wyoming's water needs. We are all
better for his efforts.
I invite all members of the Senate to join me in congratulating Harry
on his retirement, and wishing both him and his family much happiness
and success in the future.
____________________