By Lewis of Orange H.C.R. No. 55
76R4366 MDM-D
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
1-1 WHEREAS, The retirement of Sam F. Collins of Newton concludes
1-2 a dynamic 35-year association with the Sabine River Authority of
1-3 Texas; and
1-4 WHEREAS, Born on June 9, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana,
1-5 Mr. Collins moved to Texas and settled in Newton in 1933, and as a
1-6 young man graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor of
1-7 science degree; he went on to serve with distinction as a pilot in
1-8 the United States Air Force for more than four years and retired
1-9 from the service with the rank of major; and
1-10 WHEREAS, He and his wife, the former Sue Johnson, have
1-11 enjoyed a happy marriage that has been blessed with three
1-12 daughters, Sherri, Kay, and Kristi; through the years their family
1-13 has been further enhanced with the welcome addition of two
1-14 grandsons and four granddaughters; and
1-15 WHEREAS, Mr. Collins was elected to the Texas House of
1-16 Representatives in 1958 and served the citizens of the Lone Star
1-17 State as a legislator for six years; and
1-18 WHEREAS, This dedicated employee began his career with the
1-19 Toledo Bend Project on June 1, 1963, as an assistant project
1-20 supervisor for administration; he held progressively more demanding
1-21 positions through the years and was ultimately named executive vice
1-22 president and general manager of the Sabine River Authority on
1-23 September 1, 1978; and
1-24 WHEREAS, Under his judicious leadership, the Toledo Bend Dam
2-1 and Reservoir and Lake Fork Dam and Reservoir were constructed; he
2-2 successfully negotiated a debt repayment schedule and renegotiated
2-3 contracts with area power companies while fostering participation
2-4 in community activities throughout the Sabine River Basin; and
2-5 WHEREAS, The judgment and guidance of Mr. Collins were
2-6 instrumental in the installation of a sophisticated alert system,
2-7 as well as in the expansion of water quality monitoring programs
2-8 and the exploration of new ways to encourage economic development
2-9 within the cities and industries of the basin area; and
2-10 WHEREAS, This outstanding leader has shared his expertise by
2-11 chairing several committees and boards for the Sabine River Compact
2-12 Administration, the Texas Water Conservation Association, and the
2-13 Water Resources Congress; he has also participated on the board of
2-14 the Interstate Council on Water Policy, and was a member of the
2-15 East Texas regional water planning group; and
2-16 WHEREAS, Mr. Collins has received a number of honors and
2-17 accolades during his tenure, including the Deep East Texas
2-18 Development Association's Silver Bucket Award for distinguished
2-19 service, the Texas Water Conservation Association's 1997 Convention
2-20 Dedication Award, and the National Water Resources Association's
2-21 Lifetime Membership Award in November 1997; and
2-22 WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman's longtime service with the
2-23 Sabine River Authority of Texas has been crucial to the continued
2-24 development and improvement of the water resources within the
2-25 Sabine River Basin, and he is truly worthy of special recognition
2-26 for his efforts in this endeavor; now, therefore, be it
2-27 RESOLVED, That the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas
3-1 hereby pay tribute to Sam F. Collins for a distinguished,
3-2 productive career leading the Sabine River Authority of Texas and
3-3 extend to him sincere best wishes for a fulfilling and satisfying
3-4 retirement; and, be it further
3-5 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-6 prepared for Mr. Collins as an expression of high regard by the
3-7 Texas House of Representatives and Senate.