The Rumors Were True; Water Diversion Leader To Retire, Leave State

The long-time Waukesha Water Utility Commission President, Dan Warren, said yesterday was his last day.
My sources a week ago were correct:

The utility says it is the final stages of preparing its delayed, much-revised application draft for delivery to Wisconsin reviewers at the DNR; additional reviews and hearings are on tap for the application in seven Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces if the DNR decides the application is ready for prime time. 

To reach this point, the utility has, for years, spent heavily on application technical consultants, on public relations experts and lobbyists both in Wisconsin and in Washington, DC, and lawyers. 

Along with utility staff time, the administrative costs associated with the application are surely past the $1 million mark - - the meter has been running for years - -  and more expenses, including possible litigation, will be incurred as the application moves along.

Warren's current term - -  and perhaps his last, observers said last week - - expires at the end of this month, which would coincide with the application's final draft delivery to the DNR.

Warren, also general manager of Pabst Farms development and a member of the Waukesha School District, is relocating to Florida even though the Commission's Great Lakes diversion application is still incomplete after more than three years.

His term expired yesterday, records show; a likely replacement is former Alderman and diversion booster Pail Ybarra.

Reports The Freeman:

Waukesha Freeman 10/01/2013, Page A03

Dan Warren leaving Water Commission, cites future move  WAUKESHA – Longtime Water Commission President Dan Warren will leave his post once his current term ends, saying he plans to relocate out of state.