[Press Release] : Director of Columbia Water & Light takes new position

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2007

CONTACT: Dan Dasho
Director of Water and Light
(573) 874-7325

Director of Columbia Water & Light takes new position
				
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - Dan Dasho, director of Columbia Water & Light,
announced yesterday that he was leaving Columbia to be the general
manager and executive vice president of Cloverland Electric Cooperative.
The utility’s headquarters is located in Drafter Township, Mich.,
which is six miles south of Sault Saint Marie. He will start his new
position on Jan. 1, 2008. 
	City Manager Bill Watkins will consult with the Columbia City
Council and appoint an interim director until a national search can be
conducted and a new director can be hired. According to Watkins, “Dan
has made substantial contributions to both the department and the city.
I have enjoyed working with Dan and wish him well in his new
position.”
	Dasho started his position as Water & Light director in February
2004. His responsibilities included overseeing the electric and water
utilities as well as the COLT railroad. During his tenure, Dasho made
significant strides in providing cost-effective, reliable power that is
environmentally friendly. Under his direction the utility passed an
electric distribution bond issue in 2006 for $60 million with 86 percent
voter approval. A future power supply study was conducted and a contract
for electricity from IATAN II and Prairie State was signed. 	
	Dasho was instrumental in securing renewable energy for
Columbia. In 2008, Columbia will have 5 percent of the electric
portfolio generated from renewable resources, which surpasses the 2
percent renewable energy ordinance requirement. An Integrated Resource
Plan is currently being conducted, which will guide the community on how
to meet future power requirements while lowering demand with efficiency
measures. Dasho is a great proponent of energy conservation and
encouraged the development of new programs like efficiency rebates.
	Water system infrastructure was also improved under Dasho’s
direction. He oversaw the expansion of the water treatment plant, the
addition of a new 36-inch transmission line and system-wide water main
upgrades. The water system can now deliver 32 million gallons of water a
day compared to 24 million gallons when he started. 
	The city-owned COLT railroad has flourished in the last three
years. A transload facility was opened on the north side of town to
store items shipped by rail and serve as a hub to distribute items by
truck. This expanded the reach of rail service to those not directly on
the rail line. In 2007, the railroad delivered 2,400 cars.
	On his departure from Columbia, Dasho commented, “This is a
very tough decision to make. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the
city’s incredible staff, City Council and the community on the very
challenging issues which have faced Columbia. However, serving as
general manager of Cloverland is a very unique opportunity which I am
looking forward to.”

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