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'STATE OF WYOMING OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR ******** OOuii97 HM GERINGER GOVERNOR April 7, 2000 Wyoming State Engineer Fassett Resigns STATE CAPITOL CHEYENNE, WYOMING CHEYENNE-Governor Jim Geringer announced today that he has accepted the resignation of Wyoming State Engineer Gordon W. "Jeff' Fassett, effective June 15,2000. The Governor also announced that he has named an advisory committee to assist with the search process for a new director to replace Fassett. "Jeffs service to Wyoming as State Engineer over the past thirteen years has been exceptional," stated the Governor, noting that Fassett is the second longest serving State Engineer since statehood. Fassett was appointed to the position in 1987 by Governor Mike Sullivan, after working as deputy state engineer since 1984. "Jeffs term of service has been a challenging time for the management of Wyoming's water resources, marked by periods of drought, legal controversies, regulatory challenges and new, contemporary water supply demands. Jeffs dedication and thoughtful approach to these issues have well served the water users of the state as we enter the 21st Century," stated Geringer. "Jeffs knowledge, abilities and talent for developing working relationships with people are unique, and have been a real benefit to Wyoming," stated John Lawson, Area Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation in Casper. "He has served the state with distinction." In addition to serving as State Engineer and the chair of the State Board of Control, Fassett has also represented Wyoming on numerous compact commissions and regional and national water resource organizations. 'iI've served with Jeff since he was the deputy state engineer," says former state representative Dan Budd, a member of the Upper Colorado River Commission and Big Piney rancher. "He's one of the best water buffaloes in the business and he has protected Wyoming's interests above all. I'm going to miss him." During his tenure, Fassett served as chairman of the Western States Water Council, the Missouri River Basin Association and the Colorado River Salinity Control Forum. Water users from across the state have acknowledged Fassett's dedicated service by naming him the recipient of awards from organizations including the Four States Irrigation Council, the Upper Missouri Water Users Association and the Wyoming Water Development Association. "Jeffhas always been the most dedicated, honest, sincere and concerned friend of the water users of our state that I personally know and.have been associated with," says Norman Demott, Manager of Goshen lITigation District. In 1999, Fassett also received the Eminent Engineer award from the Tau Beta Pi chapter of the University of Wyoming's College of Engineering, from which he graduated in 1974. "I have been honored, and humbled, to have served the citizens of the State of Wyoming for the past sixteen years," Fassett said. "And I want to thank the entire Cheyenne staff and field personnel of the State Engineer's Office for their dedication and professional support and service. It is not without regret that I end my service to the State. However, I look forward to the new challenges of a private consulting practice based here in Wyoming, and to spending more time with my wife and family. I wish to express my gratitude to everyone who has made this job both challenging and rewarding." Criteria for the position of State Engineer will be posted on the State's website \V~w.state,wy.us by mid-April. Anyone interested in the position may contact Rita Meyer, Chief of Staff, in the Governor's office. ****