Riverbend Water Resources District said farewell to their former leader during a reception Wednesday.
Former Executive Director/CEO Liz Fazio Hale was recognized for her three years in leading the district during the event, with Board Chairman Fred Milton stating that it was a sad but joyous occasion.
"She has worked to bring our district forward to the forefront, not only in the planning for our water, but also in posturing the district to proceed forward in the future," he said. "We have a very optimistic agenda. To posture ourselves for the next 50 or 60 years, in order to not only protect our water, but also to leverage that resource for our economic development. We certainly have some things on the plate that we look forward to."
During Fazio Hale's leadership, the district completed a regional water master plan, which evaluated the region's water needs and infrastructure. It identified that a new water treatment plant was needed, along with a new intake structure on Wright Patman Lake and a new raw water line to the TexAmericas Center. The Texas Water Development Board recently approved Riverbend's initial application for $200 million in loans for the projects.
Judge James Carlow said he was involved with creating Riverbend and later served on the board of directors, but at that time, they "had no clue about the water world."
"We were fortunate enough to get Liz," he said. "She understands how the legislature works and she understands water. Without Liz, we would not have made the progress we have made. her board members supported her, but I think Liz was the driving force and we've been very fortunate to have her and she's moved us light years from where we were. I wish Liz the very best."
Texarkana, Texas Mayor Bob Bruggeman also thanked her and said she had done an outstanding job. He added that she had put things in place for her replacement, Kyle Dooley, to continue Riverbend's success. He said he had mixed emotions about Dooley, who is the deputy city manager for the city of Texarkana, Texas, taking the position, but that he thought they had the right person for the job.
"As we move forward with water and water-related matters in this region and this local area, it's critically important that we have someone in place who is knowledgeable, who is able to work with the vested parties," he said. "Kyle is certainly the person to fit that bill. I want to thank the Riverbend board for having the confidence and consideration to select Kyle to fill this role. We certainly wish you the best, Liz, with your endeavors you'll be taking on down south and best of luck to you and your family in the future."
Fazio Hale's last day was April 26 and she has taken a position as assistant general manager for the Gulf Coast Authority.
She said she was humbled by the opportunity to serve in Riverbend's top position.
"It is truly an honor to have come back to my hometown to have helped take 20 years and lack of planning and move it forward in about three years," she said. "We have a wonderful staff and some have said 'What will we do without you?' And I say the world is open to you. We have set the rock into motion and it is not slowing down and our goal of providing water for our communities will be reached and providing for economic development for our community. I appreciate the opportunity to serve not only the board, but especially our communities because they are really who make the hard decisions, who make the votes in their communities and who have set forth a pledge to supply water for our
future."