H.R. No. 136
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Steve D. Walthour retired as general manager of the
North Plains Groundwater Conservation District on October 1, 2023,
concluding more than 16 years of dedicated public service; and
WHEREAS, Hired to his position in May 2007, Mr. Walthour has
utilized his expertise as a geoscientist to guide the district in
its mission to protect and conserve groundwater resources in an
eight-county area of the Texas Panhandle; under his leadership, the
district has developed outstanding conservation programs and
educational resources, which include Master Irrigator Program
classes and educational events and initiatives for youth and other
members of the public; and
WHEREAS, One of the major highlights of Mr. Walthour's tenure
was the opening of the district's North Plains Water Conservation
Center in 2014; the center is engaged in scientific research on how
to successfully cultivate crops such as corn with lower water
requirements; in June 2018, the center welcomed visitors from the
Texas House of Representatives, including members of the House
Natural Resources Committee; and
WHEREAS, A registered professional geoscientist,
Mr. Walthour earned bachelor's and master's degrees in geology from
the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; throughout his
40-year-long career, he has led teams of professionals in the
development of groundwater management programs using a variety of
well-researched practices, and he has held such positions as field
geologist, regional subsurface geologist, senior hydrogeologist,
and hazardous materials response team manager; moreover, he has
served as an international technical consultant on a range of
topics, including hydrogeology, groundwater availability,
permitting, and water rights litigation; and
WHEREAS, Steve Walthour's exceptional knowledge, leadership,
and professionalism have greatly benefited the North Plains
Groundwater Conservation District and the Texans it has served, and
his achievements will be remembered and admired for many years to
come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate Steve
D. Walthour on his retirement as general manager of the North
Plains Groundwater Conservation District and extend to him sincere
best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Walthour as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Price
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 136 was adopted by the House on
November 1, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House