In an effort to highlight the directors and their dedication to Garrison Diversion and North Dakota’s water industry, we will continue to feature board members in this and following articles, with today’s focus including two Recreation Committee members.
BRUCE KLEIN, LAMOURE COUNTY
Bruce Klein is the newest member of the Garrison Diversion Board, as he was elected in 2016. Since becoming involved, he has learned there is so much more to Garrison Diversion than just irrigation and the original project that was proposed many years ago.
“I am proud to be a part of an organization that has such professional board members, staff and leaders,” says Bruce. “This is an amazing group to be a part of!” Bruce is also a Recreation Committee member and enjoys awarding money to
recreation projects around the state and making a difference in many communities.
Bruce has been a county commissioner for LaMoure County for 17 years. Bruce grew up in rural LaMoure and received a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University. He is a full-time farmer, working the family farm with his brother. Bruce and his wife, Crystal, have been married for 46 years and have three grown sons and three grandchildren. Bruce is an avid fisherman and enjoys reading, and together they enjoy camping and spending time with family.
STEVE METZGER, FOSTER COUNTY
Steve Metzger, Carrington, was first appointed and later elected to the Garrison Diversion Board of Directors in 1983. Over the past several years, he has served on many boards, including the Foster County Fair Board, Carrington Park Board, local chamber agriculture committee, board of directors for the local medical facility, his local church board, and other organizations. He is a long-time member of the state and national Agricultural Educators Associations, as well as the state and national Farm and Ranch Business Management Education Associations.
As an advocate of water development in North Dakota, Steve wishes there was a greater understanding of the importance of water to the future of our state. “Garrison Diversion has been a driving force behind bringing clean and abundant water to so many areas of our state for municipal, industrial, irrigation, and recreational use,” says Steve.
“So many take our present-day water resources for granted and do not realize the extent of our future needs and how Garrison Diversion fits into that total picture. “I am proud to be involved with Garrison Diversion because it is an opportunity to foster a better quality of life for others by providing for the water needs of both rural and urban entities. I am proud to be part of ongoing effort to provide for a better standard of living for North Dakota families, and proud to be associated with the great staff of Garrison Diversion that works so tirelessly on water needs day after day.”
In the past, Steve has been honored to receive the North Dakota State Friend of Extension Award, the Foster County
Outstanding Agriculturist award, the Outstanding Service Award from ND Ag Educators, and most recently, the North
Dakota Water Wheel Award.
Steve recently retired after serving the Carrington area as a farm business management instructor for more than 30 years. He continues to work part-time in farm business management. He and his wife, Jane, are avid gardeners and enjoy many opportunities to watch grandchildren participate in various activities. In his retirement, Steve looks forward to reviving old hobbies such as woodworking, hunting and fishing.
ND Water November 2019